Thanks for the detailed comparison.
In terms of free upgrades I've gotten most from sq as pps Solitaire, with a reasonably high rate, few with nz as elite (all a long time ago), and least with qf as p1 (just 1 free so far).
I don't consider I'm having a mid-life crisis but ...
Milestone birthday earlier this year
Noticeably changed attitude and outlook (working to live instead of living to work)
Finally got off my cough and into regular exercise (loving it and wondering why I left it so long)
https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/lounges
Access to Regional and Domestic lounges:
Air New Zealand customers connecting to or from an international Air New Zealand Business Premier flight on the same ticket, are entitled to lounge access prior to departure. Must be travelling on a...
Very low chance of them ever being available unless you have sq pps status, absent a last minute cancellation (or op-up) by some one who had selected the bulkhead seat.
Pps (or is it pps Solitaire?) can select these at any time and they're in high demand. Most sq flights would have enough pps...