When you travel for work, and in these times where commercial aviation travel is equal to nail removal torture, you just want to get there. Get the pain over with in a short a time as possible. Besides, I'm on a schedule - I don't have the time to dilly dally on some layover.
I will always choose a direct flight over a connecting one. Even if it's serviced by a worse airline, or one I can't get any miles on. Direct. Always.
I just hoped they'd do a direct line to Sydney instead. Perth doesn't seem like it would work.