On the other hand, this oneworld Emerald was welcomed into the First Lounge with his guest both in January and this month with no problems at all - one morning on departure to HKG, the latest on an evening departure to SFO, so there are some conditions that would seem to waive this "policy" if there is one.

(One unclassy jurk from the USA was heard all the way in the F lounge loudly shouting his DYKWIA protestations on my return; this guy lost his cool so much I wondered if security did not come and frog-march him away - amazing loss of face, particularly in Japan. Losing it in Japan will get you an amazing amount of "soft resistance, not to mention complete disdain.)

The F lounge is OK, some nice overstuffed low chairs with ottomans in front of the window, with dividers for privacy, as well as three or four automated massage chairs, alcohol and no-alcohol beverages (including Macallan and Remy XO, iirc, a beer machine, and some Japanese snacks,) but no computers. You;d not be confusing it with The Wing at HKG anytime soon, however.

*N.B. I have also been told by some knowledgeable folks the JL First lounge is open to oneworld Emeralds flying on JL, but not on others (e.g. CX). It seems somewhat unclear at this time, but oneworld Emeralds may be denied First Lounge access if not flying JL.