Many years ago I flew NZ akl-lax-lhr-hkg-akl with side trip to Belfast in under 60 hours. Not antipodal points but further distance.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/692401-around-world-under-60-hours.html
Bus gate is very common at syd early am, especially flights to and from nz. Syd intl I've had more flights to or from remote stand than to or from a regular gate. Gate 26 socks.
Interesting thread. I haven't seen any mention of the NZ program, for which status is heavily revenue based (and also has the problem for us of a captive market/limited real competition especially domestic).
NZ isn't a pure revenue status model but a lot closer than QF is currently.
Sorry I missed this. Looks like you all had a great time. I had fun running the CHC port hills.
https://www.craterrimtrailrun.com/bellbird-buster-30km.html
and
https://www.parkrun.co.nz/halswellquarry/