baw667, Hartington, PB,
Many thanks for your insights. I am a US citizen but would prefer to avoid LAX and US TSA, so your thoughts on routing are especially helpful. I assume ANZ will inform me of my routing before I purchase the ticket (?).
The food isn't that much of a concern for me; more important is comfort. I am not a unique size (ie, I am fairly average height and weight), but I get cranky when squished into an unnatural position for several hours, a la economy cabin seating.
Pax, you have an excellent point (which I am sure others have made) about where best to spend money, on airfare or on the ground. I *highly* doubt I can secure funding for a Business class seat, and realistically, i don't think I could afford to purchase such a ticket on my own.
Premium Economy seems to be emerging as the most optimal choice. Many thanks again for your help; I'm open to more opinion and thoughts!