Thanks for all the advice. Believe it or not, I need either 2487 EQP or 2527 EQM to re-qualify for Platinum. That is because I fly transcon a lot, but half the trips are work where I fly business (1.5 EQP) and the other half are the cheapest discount economy I can find (0.5 EQP) and I buy or use upgrades. Early in the year I was way ahead on points, but the miles have caught up -- with both balances around 39000. The end of year trip to asia and flying LAX-HKG-BKK this year was unexpected and with the 8500 or so miles puts me close to re-qualifying - so I want to find the most efficient way to get there without taking extra flights. There is no way to earn extra qualifying miles on this trip - the distance between LA and Bangkok is fixed -- but there is a way to earn more EQPs!

I have to wait until Monday to speak with my travel agent, but changing the ticket from H to B sounds like the way to go. Only thing I am worried about now is that the flight shows zero B class available for sale (zero economy for sale in general). Not sure how his system will react to that -- hopefully he can call Cathay directly and rebook the ticket while keeping my spot on the flight (as I am traveling with my wife).