Hey Everybody -

I have been searching but have not been able to find what I would hope is the best option.

We are looking to fly (ARM->) SYD->SFO in relative comfort using miles around October 15th->October 31st for 2 people

We have:
155k United
160k AA
100k BA
8k SouthWest
55k US Airways

No matter what, we can use BA Miles to get from ARM->SYD with relative ease, so lets not worry about that.

The problem we are having is availability, and if possible, we would like to avoid LAX. So far we have only used the online booking engines via United and AA to see availability. We would LOVE to be able to fly business or possibly first on this itinerary. Unfortunately, we have not seen ANY availability on QANTAS via AA, and only 1 day available on United (October 15th) for First.

We like the idea of UA from SYD->SFO direct on economy, but it looks like that is an unbearable flight, especially since I am 6'5".

I really have no idea of the partner availability on these airlines. We have very little experience with BA and US Airways, but I think BA charges too much in fees regardless and US Airways requires return tickets.

So far the only options we really see are:
Flying econ via Qantas ARM->SYD->LAX->SFO (Dont want to go through LAX)
Flying econ via United SYD->SFO (Dont want to fly econ in UA)
Flying first via United SYD->SFO on October 15th (date is a little early, but maybe possible althought first didn't look spectacular in any reviews)
Flying Business via United (Air Canada) SYD->YVR (We would need to find out own way to SFO from YVR, and date is Oct 6th, still quite early)
Flying Business via United (Air China) SYD->PEK->SFO - Alright availability, but a pain in the ... because it goes through Bejing first

If you guys have any other ideas it would be tremendously helpful! Thanks so much for your help as always!!