The date is Jan 5, tried to book on QF149 to connect on to MIA (AA280) and Panama (PTY) (AA959). Was told that seats either side of that day were no good either. So are there other flights that I could take which might require a stopover in LA but will at least get me there?

If I have to fly out of MEL I will, I will just buy a cheap flight down from SYD.

I might need a new TA :-)