http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showp...75&postcount=3
According to the above, a Q class fare on AC earns 100% status miles. Looking at Christmas time, the fares seem to be about $3k all in (so just a bit less than the $3400 you quoted).
AC runs the 777 on that route now, with decent AVOD (well, when the AVOD works), which will help you pass the many, many hours