I agree with you and do prefer other carriers. But, on a lot of my Asia and the occasional Australia trip, my GF comes alons so it is easier to get a J class ticket on UA systemwide upgrade it and get her a F Saver award ticket. Now, I have been able to get CX BIZ award tickets with my AA miles, for her, but it sometimes comes down to the last minute or juggling the dates a little.

QF to OZ on a BIZ award ticket is another story. Maybe if AA starts doing DFW-SYD, then I can swing it on AA, but we are back to a premium cabin on a US carrier.