Yes the Intra-Europe can be tricky in terms of FF returns. The issue that made me change to A3 was the change to the Regional Status Point return which took me out of the game in terms of Elite and Gold requal with AIRNZ because I am HLZ based.. But necessity is the mother of invention so made me look at other options. For example I now book my TT HLZ/MEL (via WLG) with Singapore which means no drive to Auckland, parking fees or 3 hr check in., In terms of elapsed time its quicker and over all cost cheaper.
I have just looked at options HLZ/LHR for our trip in Aug/Sep with Singapore return pricing 7160 Biz, 5070 PE and 2254 E.which is way cheaper than I can find on our dates with AIRNZ in all classes but means an extra stop over of course. .