Well that is a bonus. Most of my work flights are similar. I can't tweak the routing to max miles or credits. Must take direct routing when available. But, in the last 3 years I have earned over 1M points and maintained Plat status (well, Gold before Plat came along). But with the economic downturn, looks like my travel is being hit hard, so when I take 3 months off for a RTW holiday (using award flights so no status earning), I can't me earning Plat again next year. At least QF only drop you one level per year!

But in your case, having someone pay for the airfares to allow you to don something you enjoy, that is a areal bonus and something to not to be taken lightly. Good on ya, I say.