Thanks for the info, SEA-JFK was the other option, but would prefer to go from YVR. Points will be with QF so I think I get them either way.

I don't think the extra segments will affect me as this way I should be able to keep it to 6 NA segments, as in the first option I was going via SYD-LAX direct, then LAX-MIA, but YVR-DFW-JFK. Now I will go SYD-HNL-DFW-MIA which will use an extra NA segment, which I will save by being able to go transcontinental from YRV-JFK direct.

Glad to have found the CX flight, had given up hope when AA didn't have one!

Thanks all for your help, great people, great site.

PS. I know people like these things so the whole trip is (over 12 months):
HBA-SYD-HNL-DFW-MIA-PTY//SJD-DFW-YVR-JFK-DUB//LHR-IST//BUH-LHR//LGW-DBV//WAW-HEL//SVO-HEL-NRT-HKG-BKK-SYD-HBA. 19 legs, purchasing an extra Europe one.