Actually, Q fares do not appear anymore throughout the year on international routes, only during sale periods.

The lowest regular fare is V or H on some routes. That is why it really hasn't bugged me having the upgrade V fare or higher rule. Most of the time I can't take advantage of sale fares for international travel anyway. This year was an exception but the sale included an unheard of V fare sale!

And if Whitey wants to know if there will be cheaper Q and L fares later--it is likely but don't bet on it.