OK well that makes sense thanks guys. I'm actually not re-entering the US. I changed YVR to SEA yesterday.

Serfty - the transcontinentals are AA metal from NRT to DFW and AA metal LAX to LHR unfortunately because I want the points earning and the opportunity to use the EVIP's I specifically set it up this way - it's a catch 22 by the looks of things. Thanks for the info nonetheless because I'll remember this for my DONE5 booking in a few weeks as flight numbers and carrier are less important for AAdvantage earning.

Interestingly the AA RTW Agent I spoke to said she's never seen YQ tax (I said it's fuel and she said no, no it isn't!!) or anything like that high in a single tax amount on the calcs?? Never know your luck maybe Dublin will feel sorry for me (of course maybe they'll calculate it higher as well )