this really frustrates me....
not you or your post UpInTheAir.. but this is so typical QF.... "They don't know what will happen"
and I suppose t also underscores FroggerADL's experience too.
It almost seems like there's 2 facets at play here (based on both the above) - they MAY still comp or may not rather than "pay the points and get it"
So it seems, if the agent is to be believed, you can pay and be sure, or take your chances.
Personally I do not like what this represents. it winds up being inconsistent (which QF is very consistent at being!) and may or may not have to do with 3 year averages, or if you have a 6 in your FF# or you were born in July. Good Grief!
And the worst thing is that it makes the giving of advice to try and help other pax to be extra difficult. Maybe.. Maybe not.
Take your chances....
I reckon pay up and be sure if that's what you really want and you have plans/bookings for travel next membership year to make it worthwhile and not worry if it's going to maybe be given or not. Specially if the 120k points is not a huge drain on a big balance.
my 2 annoyed cents.