Hi Jonathan,
I had hoped that those members of your company that work frequently with the acquisition of a variety of Airline tickets, would be more cognizant of the interpretation of the requirements for the use of these airline benefits, especially as they have undergone significant changes in the last several months. For instance they are more "Dynamic" in structure and are more closely related to the dollar cost of the tickets which varies with time of departure and its filling of the seats. In essence the Airline companies were trying to make their use more practical and more readily available. In the old days a certain percentage of seats were available with airline points, but this meant booking almost a year in advance. But they were more flexible if plans changed, as you did not lose your points, but only had to pay for the change costs of the new tickets.
However the new reality is not easily described. Business class seats for the longer trips are not easily accomplished if you want "Direct Non stop" flight plans. I found none available.
Perhaps your knowledgable travel agents have a better grasp of the situation.
Sincerely,
Nigel.