What if the award is on a partner flight, rather than a BA one? Would people be as happy waiting until the week before?

I made a change to a QF MEL>WLG flight and the old flight date is still showing in MMB, the change fee has not been taken and no new e-ticket. (Check my Trip also shows the old flight). Bit concerned as there are only 14 business seats on the flight, and only the one direct flight a day.