Christep, that information is much appreciated - not least because the star data is COMPLETELY different from what I had been reading (FewMiles update needed). It also completely kyboshes that fare for any trip involving Japan-Hawaii from the USA as I can't find an AA/permitted codeshare metal flight between Japan and Hawaii, and the fare rules prevent backtracking between Hawaii and the West Coast.

Interestingly though, with BNA-ORD-NRT-MEL-LAX-BNA on Great Circle sneaking in under the 22,000 mile limit by 300 miles, those changes do open up a great opportunity to get to Melbourne from BNA in D for $4900 - about $1500 less than a consolidator fare for the same trip, and about $800 cheaper than the Incentive Traavel Flight Certificate price. A for the same trip would be $7100. Downside is going via NRT instead of "semi-direct" via LAX, but when you consign yourself to 20 hours in a steel tube you get philosophical about long flights.

So perhaps not all doom and gloom as I head back to the drawing board....