So, their removal is a reason for you not to fly Qantas?
Actually it is a good reason, indeed cause, not to fly QF - certainly it will reduce my travel on them - it was just about the last thing that made QFF points of any decent value.
With xASA's a million QFF points were arguably worth in the order of $50,000 in redemption value - now that one million is down to no less than $7800 in value.
I no longer value points upgrade raffles on Qantas - confirmed pointy end on long haul is where I am at. Velocity sits well for me there.
As far as domestic travel goes, VA for me is generally 10% - 15% cheaper on the same routes than as for QF.
Have a look at the current sale: MEL to ... VA/QF
SYD $ 79/$ 99
BNE $ 99/$119
PER $155/$189
ADL $ 59/$ 89
CNS $145/$189
OOL $ 85/$115