My Air China flight from Beijing to Brisbane in January was cancelled over weekend....anyone know whether this route has been cancelled by Air China as some forums suggest that this service is no longer happening from September?

I wouldnt be hungup on Platinum status.  I'm Lifetime Gold as well and have been Platinum for 15 years, but have decided now to fly J or F internationally using points purchased from Lifemiles or AA or Alaskan or UA (so more options than QF).  Thus family and I get all lounges, priority...

Yes, some increases mainly in J and A to North America, also some decreases such as SQ from Australia to Singapore in J only 40k  (previously 47.5k).  All in all, not as bad as feared with largest changes in A class.

checkout this site for wha'ts up and success rates:http://www.statusmatcher.com/

Flew this in J and Y a couple years back.   Still scheduled for 767 into next year from what i can see.  Dont think it worthwhile upgrading as only marginal leg/width difference and its an overnigh flight, so think Y exit row best.I see you're based in Perth, so consider using ...