Wasn't sure where to put this, and it may have been obvious, but I searched AMM-SYD on DL to see if it would pull up the direct AMM flight on Virgin Australia. Instead, it routed me through CDG and LAX on the way, which is quite a distance out of the way.
This would also allow for a stopover in the US.
Too bad about the >$700 YQ + 140k miles (Y class).
Edit: It appears that it may be piecing together 2 different awards, but I can't tell. Any insights?