Getting back to original question of this thread,I refer you all to the quote below for a further reminder of what the OP was looking for......
"Thanks everyone, for your input. Let me clarify what is "the best way" for me. I am looking for connections that won't drive me crazy, flights that are dependable and do not have a history of being cancelled or delayed. I am looking for service and quality of the J class cabin. This is one of my concerns about the AC J on such a long flight. I love SQ, but have not flown CX. In my SE package, I did choose the bonus miles option on AC metal, so perhaps that is one other consideration, but not critical.
My ticket will be full paid J. I will be going out on Aug 22, return Sep 1 (Friday of a holiday weekend)."
Would it not be wise to cut each other some slack, some of the posts already verge on being inflammatory! Let's try and stick to the subject which is getting the OP from YUL to HKG the quickest and most comfortable way!