So, if I put in ORD-IAD-LHR-DEN, it shows me a return with 2 stops (MAN and ORD) and give me the cheap base fare but doesn't remove YQ.

If I put in ORD-IAD-LHR-ORD-DEN, it gives me the 1 stop return (in ORD as requested) and removes the YQ surcharge, but the base fare is now $477.

Any ideas on how to trick it further? Or am I totally out of luck?

(Also I tried hidden-city to LAX or SFO... no dice.)

There are many dates that come close. I am looking at 2/20-2/22 or 1/23-1/25. Both sets of dates work for the ORD-ORD fare.

I have to eliminate at least one repositioning leg in order to make this worthwhile MR territory for me.