Update:

I tried the US line but was put in a 1 hour queue so figured I would try the NZ number again. They can sell me no problem $3300 J fare AKL to LAX on any of the 4 daily codeshare flights AKL to SYD. It will ticket, no glitch. However, they cant add trip credits. If the NZ line could simply add credits I would be set.

Got the call back from the US line and wated 75 minutes of my time. The first scenario with the 645am on the 789 which was my preference came back as not confirmed by Qantas even though the AA agent saw it for $3300. Then he said the 730am to SYD is looking good and it did not come back as not confirmed. However, the price jumped from $3300 to $5600.....no thank you. Then he put me on hold for a good 30 and came back and told me I need to call QF and they can price it correctly and put it on hold for me and then AA can add trip credits. Not sure this is even true. I have not tried calling QF yet.

I cant incorporate a Jet Star flight or a QF SYD-AKL that isnt an AA codeshare or I cant use trip credits.........NZ folks cant add trip credits. I cant hold anything b/c they arent AA metal flights. I dont understand all this but its so frustrating. I guess I need to look elsewhere to use the 3K of credits and just plan on buying an outright ticket for the $3300 if I want to fly this route. I guess one call to QF is worth it but do they put trips on hold and how can AA then add their trip credits to QF flights. That doesnt sound right.