A couple of other benefits
- you can get a one-time status match to Hilton Diamond, that's probably the single best benefit of VA Plat
- If you call you're supposed to get the plat line, there's a good chance someone in Australia will answer. HUACA if you get the hopeless Manila call center
- you can select exit rows or the "economy X" extra-space Y seats for free
And a couple of issues:
- the upgrade certificates are of limited value - you have to pay double or triple the normal Y fare to get into the upgradeable fare class, "Freedom"
- In theory you can use VA points for awards on VA between Australia and the US, but there's little to no availability of biz awards. Even worse than eg Qantas or Delta.