I agree with MCM's preference of NZ over QF. Even with a healthy AC, I still prefer to fly NZ on Trans PAC because:

1. I find the crews are genuinely hospitable.
2. The hump on the 747-400 is still IMHO one of the best places to do a long haul.
3. Transfering from AC in LAX is a cinch because they both use the same terminal
4. Finally I prefer the meal service on NZ. Kidneys and mushrooms mmmmmm.

Its true that there is no longer a direct service to SYD from LAX but the stop in AKL only adds about 90 minutes to the total travel and the transfer in AKL is probably one of the easier international transfers. The NZ lounge in AKL is first rate, and it provides a nice break in an otherwise long journey. Because NZ leaves LAX at 9:30, you still arrive in SYD ahead of any other *A carrier from N/A.

The only issue is reward travel is hard to come by because it seems that the NZ-AP inventory is pretty limited.

DF