Because thats not what I'm willing to do. I am willing to use cash/points to do what many others do in using positioning flights to start a OWA, to either get me to a location where Reward seats are available and/or reduce total milage so it qualifies for OWA, A OWA for 2 people currently stands at 636,000 points (2 x 318,000). This will increase to 365,800 after August, and we have no idea how Qantas will treat flights added to bookings made pre-August. I doubt they'll grandfather any already booked flights, but even Qantas can do the right thing occasionally.
I HOPE to be able to book our trip as OWA and therefore have the points capped (636k or 731.6k), but am willing to use a few more points if neccessary, but not Classic Plus levels. As per the OP Im looking at all the permutations and combinations of Airlines, routes, destinations etc to get the best value out of the points I do have. This includes varying the Port we use to commence the OWA, changing routes to reduce milegae or use a different airline, varying the Port we use to get back to BNE mid-way through the trip, and varying the end point.
Ultimately I want to fund the trip with a judicious and efficient use of points and cash (LHR fees will hurt but that's another story). I have sufficient points to do a CP+ award but only if absolutely neccessary. Three other factors are also at play. First, the chances of getting our preferred Award seats increase in August when I attain P1. Second, the increased points required after August. And third, I'm actively running down my points balance while I still have a chance. Qantas are making it almost impossible for loyal customers to find Reward flights they actually want or can use. I will also hit LTG in August and once that happens my loyalty to Qantas ends and I will one no longer be in points/status accumulation mode. After this trip, I hope to have enough accumulated points left for two more Award LHR or JFK return trips in J. If not too bad, I'll use the remaining points to buy toasters, and pay cash for cheaper J tickets on other, better airlines.
