Well it seems VA will have a bad start to the Australia > Tokyo, needing to use 737-700 as the MAXs won't arrive in time

Not that that'll make a great deal of difference but a nicer newer 737-8 MAX would surely be smidgeon better than a decade old 737-700.

Eek.

I've decided I don't want to spend 8hrs in a narrowbody especially on a redeye return. I decided to use some velocity points to help fly Singapore Airlines via SIN. Added to the cost but elected for an overnight layover too to make the journey kinder in some respects with our family of a few kids.

Thanks for your replies.