It seems to me VA aren't trying very hard to be competitive. Sure, the QLD border rules depressed travel but even now they aren't a good alternative to Qantas.
1) their website
https://travel.virginaustralia.com/au/domestic-schedule isn't an accurate reflection of the flights they offer (some routes are now daily but this page hasn't been updated) - how do you get customers when your website tells them you don't have availability?
2) still only offering water in flight, whereas Qantas have restored juice, tea, coffee etc
3) lounges still closed
4) still not operating the very popular CBR-SYD route (Qantas have had very good yields on this route lately)
I have to travel to BNE next month and would normally take VA (as an SQ Gold) but Qantas are clearly a better option even without status.