I recently had great experiences with NZ as well. Initial hold times were virtually nil and the agents were generally friendly, knowledgeable and efficient.

Fair comment that Aeroplan isn't an airline itself, but it's somewhat unique in that AC has spun it off, and it's still virtually an extension of AC since they use AC's inventory and AC's *A agreements. So I think it's fair to lump it in with airlines.

This is an important distinction. My friends and family who have no status tell horror stories of waiting forever on the phone with AC just to speak to an agent, whereas calls to the SE line are picked up virtually right away.