i just finished reading the entire thread and the info presented is similar to what SQ experienced recently.

Problems
--Overcrowding of lounges
-- dilution of QFF memberships
-- addition of Qantas club memberships which includes life members which adds costs to the ariline

Qantas plans so far
-- cost cutting which includes F & B cuts on domestic services. Am i the only one who has noticed that the refreshments in Y has gone from a sandwich to now a mere cookie?
-- It has also been well rumoured and from (a reliable source) that qantas plans to convert all their qantas services except premium routes to jet*. Those remaining qantas routes including domestic routes will follow the US model of charging everything under the sun. and in addition, all soft drinks and water will be charged. No food provisions even on the sydney-perth routes, its BoB. This was already on the plans even without the APA drama.
-- Amenity kit cutbacks. the latest move to offer pre-existing items such as shaving kits,toothbrushes are really a way of cost saving.
-- cutting wages

what i predict
- Qantas will see and follow what SQ is now proposing to do with minor provisions..
-- Lounge access will be in its current form but liquor and food will no longer be complimentary.
--For international,If qantas really wants to cost cut, they can issue drink chits, similar to AA or United. 2 per passenger. Drink prices might be around AUD8.00 per glass for beer, more for wine/ shots. These vouchers are only meant for QFF plat members/Oneworld emeralds.
-- They might follow SQ style of saying you have to fly business to even access the lounge.
-- Access to domestic lounges will be limited strictly to qantas club members who are flying on a QF flight on that day, no J or QFF members, no guests even into international lounge and the life membership will be removed but its a revenue earner
-- Oneworld agreements will be honoured but you might have problems getting drink chits or guest access.
-- QFF elite memberships are to be tightened besides the current 4 sector rule. I think the lifetime gold/silver would be scrapped.

btw, i'm not sure but i feel its actually quite hard to qualify for QFF elite membership if you are on a per diem basis, ie out of your pocket. Even for qualifying gold at 700 credits means you have to fly at least 17 syd-mel sectors on business which can be costly.