That's what I was afraid of. If on-time, I know with no checked bags, Global Entry and Pre Check Clear, 1h 51m no problem QF TBIT to AA Terminal 4 is no problem.
I just hate the idea of sitting from 6:25am until the next non-stop at 1:21pm and I know (as I said) if on-time I'll be out of customs at TBIT by 7am at the latest and at AA T4 by 7:10am and perhaps earlier.
I also realize AA would let me go stand by but the chances of getting a seat in first LAX-DCA on day of departure is slim to none.
If I didn't adjust the e-ticket, could QF check me in MEL-LAX and not LAX-JFK-DCA and then I could get to LAX in plenty of time and have to do it at the LAX counter? That way it could not be address prior to departure and I could continue to hold the space? Would that be risky to keep the PNR active with the e-ticket VCR no matching all the booked flights?