So I got around to giving Amex Travel UK a call on Thursday, explained that QR are in the habit of withdrawing a flight from sale but waiting until the last minute to cancel existing bookings, but I would like to cancel on the basis of a schedule change >2hrs, even though I could also cancel on closed borders and probably a cancelled flight in a few days time. Amex were looking at the same guidance as referenced in the wiki of the Book with Confidence thread.

Amex Travel had to call me back, which they did in about an hour, confirmed that they can cancel on the basis of a invol schedule change, and yesterday I had notification of a credit winging its way to my Amex card. And Amex didn't charge any admin fee for the cancellation either, which they are at liberty to do so.

That's pretty impressive performance, and although I've not had the cash yet it seems it's on its way in about 5 days. It took a Chinese airline 3 months and then my insurance another 2 months to handle a refund and claim for a repatriation flight out of China in Jan, a total of 5 months.

It does seem that although Qatar are being generous in general, the specifics leave a lot to be desired if you don't want a voucher, and for those of you who need to wait out for the flight actually be cancelled that gives you enough time to call in and get your refunds.