to Tech Noir
The trip is in BUSINESS class not economy.. so your calculations are wrong for SC.. AND one has the ability to upgrade to first using points on Qantas.. I also redid itinerary and now it is
LAX-JFK on QF in business
JFK-TLV on LY in business
TLV-LHR on LY in business
LHR-SIN on QF in business
SIN-SYD on QF in business
SYD-LAX on QF in business
Same exact base price.. very good deal IMHO....