[QUOTE
Being based in YYZ I avoid the current routing like the plague. I prefer the AC/UA routing via SFO/LAX.

I agree whole-heartedly. It wasn't so bad when AC flew YYZ-HNL-SYD (even better for me during those glorious 6 months when AC had service to MEL) but the YVR bit is a real grind. I've used AC/UA via SFO/LAX the last three times I've flown in the past year: faster, more points; generally cheaper, and easier when you're going on to MEL as you can just re-board the UA plane in SYD and not have to transfer to the domestic terminal. However am doing the AC via HNL in November as it was a lot cheaper than UA, so it will be like old times. Too bad the 'Tiki Lounge' is gone!