It's not exclusive to CAL, you cannot sit on the F/D on an Int'l flt that is double crewed (last time I checked, all NRT flt's to the US are double crewed. As far as J/S through NRT, if you are not at the service desk or the gate by 70 minutes prior to departure, they will not put you on period. They are locals and do not know or even care what "bending" the rules mean. I have been J/S to the orient for over 2 years and here are some facts that I have experienced first hand.
1. It is so important to phone list (especially from east back to the west, ie. dealing with the foreign agents. Plus you need a seat in the cabin
2. Get there early (70 minutes minimum), there is no understanding or stretching of rules, it's very black and white on that side of the world.
3. Talk to the captain, if you don't keep him involved you will not get biz or first class because the agents will not put you there and the F/A's probably won't
4. You have to pay taxes with CC only so give yourself time to take care of that.
that's all I can think of right now, if I remember anything else, I will post it, I am J/S to PVG on tues and I understand your desire for info.
PT