May as well persist in getting cash back because even if you were in Asia there's no certainty when you could utilise the credit account. I was put off by the 12-month validity for the credit account for this reason but I am more comfortable with a 24-month validity if that's the new policy.

But in any case, until there are some useful flights in the air the whole issue is moot and I will persist with the cash refund for my three direct bookings.