what I would like to know is why there was only 1000 ft separation so aircraft flying the same direction.
It’s not unusual for the QF 8, 12, 16, 94 and a couple of United jets to all end up close to each other over the Pacific, due to departure delays and the fact that everyone is chasing the same winds. Crews will accept non-standard levels in an effort to improve fuel burn if their preferred altitude is blocked.