While it would be nice to fly NZ C AKL-SFO instead of UA C SYD-SFO, don't you lose EQM by flying NZ? I looked at the MP Mileage thread and it lists 125% RDM and 100% EQM by flying NZ (125%/150% for UA metal). I suppose if you don't need the EQM for the next status level it should be okay. But that 50% bonus on a long flight would really boost your numbers...

I have to calculate some numbers to see it'll be worthwhile for me, I'd hate to miss the next status level because I skipped out on the EQM bonus.