Bundy Bear, are you sure about that fare MEL-LAX-JFK? There is a fare being offered by travel.com.au of $1749 including tax MEL to JFK but travel must be made via Tokyo (connecting with an AA flight in NRT). Unfortunately this only earns 160 status credits (it is "discount economy class").

MEL-NRT 5060 miles = 40 status credits OW (80 RT)
NRT-JFK 6743 miles = 40 status credits OW (80 RT)

This fare is also valid to several other citites in the USA. The AA sectors must be non-stop from Tokyo. Someone who is QF Gold would earn approximately 35,400 miles for this trip.