wow! I didn't expect a response (or responses) so quick. Thankyou all.

I am thinking of going from Europe straight to Australia (via HKG but not stopover) and then go back to HKG (stop) and then to NRT or CTS (Stop) and then head back to BKK (transit in HKG)

I know that CMB is cheaper but I don't know anyone there and the net benefit is not that good when you throw in the ticket to CMB and the associated time it requires to do the turnaround (from HKG)

I am comtemplating in upgrading to an AONE4 but really can't see the benefit as so many routes are now 2 Class and in the USA I get to be in "A" Class for most of the flights (despite it is AA).