Originally Posted by
JAeX
Your RDM/MQM/MQD calc looks correct. As for a good bargain, that's all relative. Depends on if this MR will put you into the next status level, how much you value said status, and your appetite for slugging it in Y for ~40hrs.
I did a very similar MR over Thanksgiving 2016 in PE (W) on VS SFO-LHR-JNB-LHR-SFO for ~1200 which got me to DM. As PM you'll have access to the clubhouse at LHR in both directions (assuming you're on same day connections) but not JNB so plan accordingly. I got to JNB early to check out the clubhouse but was denied entry by the lounge attendant claiming the PM/DM clubhouse benefit only extends to LHR and US locations when traveling on a same day TATL.
VS has raised the PE fares since Economy Delight was introduced and you won't find nearly as attractive fares any more in PE. OP's numbers are correct (I flew this route last year). The VS lounge agents are correct in that PM/DM's don't get lounge access in JNB (just LHR). There are a couple of PP lounges at JNB and I used one of those. I have a $95/year Hilton Amex Ascend card which comes in handy in these cases as it includes 10 free PP visits.