I wonder if they adopted the BoB mode earlier if they could still have maintained the relationship with Air Nz and potentially *A

Quite the contrary, syd-lhr / mel-lhr would actually be the solution as their flight paths completely avoid the conflict air space. Qf9/10 was planned to be replaced by sunrise in any case.

QF will give you the worst product they can get away with. Given how successful they are in terms of $$$, i doubt they will switch to a better product anytime soon on their 787

Well they are not a charity... the question is what are you willing to give up to make the whole change a slight negative than what we have now

Just wait until they “enhance” the annual fee again next year XD