FJ or AA business class
 

I have an AAward ticket MEL-NAN-LAX, both flights are lie-flat seats, 2h 25m connection.

Could change to MEL-SYD-LAX with the 2nd leg in C on AA 72 77W with ~3h 30m connection, same number of miles

Another option is SYD-LAX in F on that AA 77W for same number of miles but would have to pay for MEL-SYD in economy.

Which would you choose?

Wholly apart from the relative quality of AA Business vs. FJ Business, I would choose the SYD routing because of the greater options there in the event of IROPS.

I would only consider the SYD-LAX F option if you can book MEL-SYD with miles -- and have AA put both awards on a single PNR -- so that you would be protected in the event of IROPS on the MEL-SYD leg.

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>> in the event of IROPS on the MEL-SYD leg.
oh, that is scaring me away from going via SYD. If the issue is in SYD, I could be chillin at MEL and watching the NAN flight go on time.

Anyway, those SYD seats are gone today.

Do you have emerald status? If so, pick MEL-SYD-LAX in J, and relax in the QF First lounge in SYD.

Otherwise, go with the F to get the First access.