MilesBuzz! - Best way to Oz?

I have to travel from BHM (or ATL) to SYD in mid Mar. I have the BA miles to go all the way in First, the long way round thro LGW/LHR.
Apparently BA partners have nothing available.
Given the longer flights, airport transfers and an extra night stay over in London on the way back I don't know if F is going to be worthwhile.
I have never traveled this far (even the short way) in econonmy. How painful is it? Any other suggestions?

I'll suggest that you read this trip report from someone else who just went from the western US to AUS by traveling east.

It's one of the best trip reports anyone has ever posted on FlyerTalk, and I think it could help answer some of your questions.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum81/HTML/002544.html

Last year I traveled from BOS to SYD via LHR. I was in coach and I did not mind the trip at all. Part of the trip I had an entire row of seats to myself which was pretty nice since it enabled me to sleep fairly comfortably. However the rest of the way I was on a very full plane. I suppose it really depends on how uncomfortable you are when you are in coach normally. I find coach very comfortable, but I am only 5'3.

er,ah..."the yellow brick road?".... keep trying qf for 1st or business.