Regarding the debate over the cheap seats, how many status pax travel with checked baggage domestically, vs non-status pax doing the same? The last time I checked a bag domestically as a WP was 2010 I think, and it was the other half's bag anyway.
Considering fuel costs on payload, I've saved QF a bundle, not to mention an under-utilised WP priority baggage benefit (which a rarely delivered internationally when I actually use it, even in F as a WP).
As for lounge costs, if as QF appears to be signalling, they don't want my loyalty red-e-deal business for leisure travel, my domestic travel can switch to someone who does.
As a small business owner, all flights technically come from my pocket. I buy everything from red e deal dom cheapies to flex J/F internationally.
Sadly, it seems you can still fly QF for part of your trip and save a hunk of cash if you buy it from another airline. But where can I actually go on QF without setting foot on EK, who I really don't care for? 4-6 int'l destinations. Wow.
I used to "make my first destination Qantas.com" but no more. Any residual loyalty is being slowly eroded. If they're too blind to see this, or the value that loyal pax bring, then they get what they deserve quite frankly.