So I just had a nice chat with two seemingly very experienced agents at the F lounge. My takeaways:

- They knew the rules, including AA EXPs coming off an int'l sector, as well as non-AA EMDs flying domestic flights.

- They referenced the QF website, which he pulled up on his iPad.

- There are new agents as of a couple of weeks ago. They surmised that they might not know the rules.

- They suggested that if a guest feels like they are being denied entry improperly to request a supervisor or manager come confirm.

Hope this helps.