I don't take any of this as a personal attack, although some people seem a little precious - given the thread is about accessing CL. One of the shortcomings of the web is that people can misunderstand text - I don't stand at checking with my chest puffed out and say ' my father is CL ....'. As I'm sure many of us do - I chat with check in staff to understand the load, seat availability etc etc and try to work a better seat/class of travel.
To try respond to posters - my bookings are in my own ff number but qantas appear to have some sort of family relationship link within their systems that they can go review if needs be.
I tend to fly heavy traffic routes (syd-lhr) and (syd-lax (and through to east coast)) so being plat doesn't tend to make a huge difference with upgrades although does with seat allocation. My seat allocation doesn't tend to be 70G - however you are right - I do run that risk.
My friend isn't looking for the top job at Qantas - but is developing a relationship with some senior QF folks in his efforts to get invited to CL.
NYCGuy - interesting comment you make about getting a seat in Bus/First - surely the 'benefits' of being a FF are eroded if you're already sitting in a fully funded Bus/First seat to start with!