plenty of punters fly FJ direct on their now daily SYD/LAX on their new 332's !!!
FJ is back in profit.
Sure their wages are lower, but they probably pay more for fuel.
+ plenty of punters fly via AKL on NZ, via HNL on HA & on TN via PPT or even via China or Taiwan.
+ lot more fly JQ SYD/HNL & then get on any number of carriers to mainland including LCC like Allegiant, which them gives them the option of a stopover.
Where do you think all the former QF pax to USA have gone ? They haven't all gone to VA.
Some have gone to DL, but only out of SYD.
Even poor old UA MEL/LAX is via SYD until 28OCT.