Yeah, so it seems there's no cheap options to do SC runs under the new Qantas terms. Either you have to pay a bucketload of cash to sit in business, or pay an absurd point conversion rate for ASAs.
What would be the most cost effective options now for a SC run now?
I am thinking SYD-AKL return in Business, for 160SC is a good option. This is usually around $1400 but when on sale this can be had for $980, which is not bad value I think. Though you have to wait for those sales.
Perhaps I might need to go to the USA and do a SC run there (another comment on the thread mentioned some good options eg ORD-MIA, DFW-JFK etc