As a new member of the Forum, this is a good one for me to start my contributions.
I have flown with Cathay three times and have always been impressed with their level
of service. Sitting at a window on the starboard side of the aircraft as it approached
Kai Tak on the curved approach to Runway 13 really was something. Kai Tak, I felt,
was beginning to show its age and, with no room to expand, I suppose it was
inevitable that it would have to close.

I agree. Though its closure was sad, it had to be done eventually. Aviation expands and you need to increase capacity as a result – a feat that requires land and space.
It does depress me however to see what Kai Tak has become.

Oh and welcome to the forum! 😀