I recently booked a return award flight SYD-SFO in J on the QF website for August 2006. I was able to confirm the outgoing flight at 350 days prior to the Sydney departure, but was unable to book the return flight until 18 days later which was 350 days before my San Francisco departure. The cost was the same with that being 96K ff each way, but taxes were cheaper for the return leg because it was booked from the QF USA site (less fuel levy).

However, as you you want to use code share flights etc (partner award) I understand you will have to contact a consultant at QF FF which will incur a booking fee of 2,500 points per pax per booking, and this fee applies irrespective of your ff status and also includes children and infants occupying a seat. I understand a fee is charged for changes to any award booking, and these fees are non refundable. I don't know if this fee involves ff points etc, but I note that Kiwiflyer is on your case, so heed what he says as he has lots of travel experience.