thanks Inaflash and Gleff!

you guys have come up with some awesome ideas! I'm glad to hear that despite what I've been told by the CSR's it's still possible to snag these seats on QF!

I'll try your suggestions about doing more research via KVS in advance of the call to the partner desk, locating precise dates and flights that show reward availabilty, and then immediately calling CO OP to book the flights.

thanks guys!