On a related matter, I have recently completed a DONEx that included one sector where there was no business class cabin. As set out in the OneWorld Explorer rules, I was (naturally) dropped back to economy class for that sector.
I assumed that I would relegate to full economy. However, I was booked L class, which is a discount economy class, and received the greatly reduced SCs and FF points pertaining to that class.
It seemed strange that I received full business class SC and points benefits in D class, which is a discounted business class fare, yet was not relegated to Y class on the sector where there was no business class cabin.
The agent at the Qantas FF centre was very unclear on this when I called, and I'm still awaiting an explanation.
The DONEx rules don't seem to be explicit anywhere that I can find on what the relegation class will be in such cases. It just says "If an aircaft servicing part of your itinerary doesn't have a first or business class cabin, customers will be booked into a lower class cabin. Mileage and tier points can only be accrued from eligible fares in the cabin flown".
Can a guru enlighten me as to whether I was wrongly booked in L instead of a full-earn economy class designation?
Partner JohnM's Partner Gold renewal may end up swinging on this, so all advice greatly appreciated

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