Well, back on topic here... with all this mention of stopping in NZ vs. HNL... why not just fly UA direct??? Flight UA870 leaves SYD at near MTOW everyday from what I've been told. Must be doing something write...
Their international service is regarded as pretty good, definately better than the domestic service. Price is no different than QF or UA to LA... and you get tons of connecting options for N. America. That'd my choice hands down.
More importantly I reckon Longreach has got it right here... QF needs to get its assets sorted out quickly before Virgin/Singapore get into the action. The 743 may just be a temp equip for the route... with such high density seating I would think people would make other travel arrangements.