Well with the bargain air fares that are around, decided to take the girlfriend for a whirlwind trip to the US. All up for $993 return. UA was about $150 more and VA was at least $1300.

MEL-LAX QF25 16th September
LAX-SFO QF3243
Spending a few nights in San Francisco with a friend then flying VX to LAX (was the cheapest)
the return flight back home goes
LAX-SFO QF3199 26th September
SFO-SYD QF74
SYD-MEL QF417 28th September

Strangely a more direct flight was around $100 to $200 more though it was on the A380.

Just a few questions, my understanding now is that a 738 operates the MEL-AKL leg and then a 744 to LAX?
Also being on a discount economy ticket, am I still eligible to earn points and SC's on the AA legs?