Not in order (some you asked, some not).

1) Are you reading the rules right? I believe so.

2) Why are they like this? I think it's a throwback to the days before AA had the PVG-ORD route and CX had the HKG-PEK route. My guess is that the rulemakers just didn't see the discrepancy with the current version.

3) Can I start in HKG and end in PVG/PEK? Notwithstanding the other problems, yes, as long as you either use AA's service to PVG or QF's service to PVG or PEK.

4) Can I start in PVG/PEK and end in HKG? It appears there are no fares ex-China, assuming the rules and fares on Usermark's site are current.

5) How are the airlines going to deal with this? You be sure to let us know how it turns out.

6) Is there a drawback on starting in Hong Kong? You cannot go through your point of origin, so the opportunities in Asia are slim to none. You would have to utilize TPE as the transfer point.

7) Are surface miles calculated? Yes.

8) Are origin/destination surface miles calculated? They shouldn't be. I don't believe it's "surface travel" at that point since the fare legitimately ended at the destination. But I get a feeling that different airlines would give different answers.