But do they cancel the status if you cancel the card?  My understanding was that they do.This would mean you get 11 months free for your 4k spend, but then have to pay $450 for the following 12 months.

Maybe if by East Coast you mean Sydney and Melbourne only.  The direct flight from Perth gives 1-stop service to Paris for people in places such as Canberra, Adelaide, or Hobart.Some people may wish to avoid transiting in the gulf states, for various reasons.  And Qantas's business clas...