China will continue to have to rely upon a high percentage of backpackers and misfits to fill many of its teaching vacancies.

If China did become like south korea/taiwan, you maybe would not have a job in the public sector as:

1) you would need to return to the UK to get a clean background check from the police, and you have stated you do not intend to return there ever.

2)You would need a verifiable tefl qualification (you mentioned you have no tefl) and related degree in english language/literature, you have a bsc.

This has happened in guangdong, so never say never with regards to China. In the meantime, backpackers, misfits, losers who are happy earning low money for low hours will flock there because there are no standards enforced as yet. You have said yourself you like low class hours and don't care about face, maybe they view you as a "backpacker" or "loser" or "misfit" in their eyes, judge not, lest .......