I've done several xONExs and have spent a lot of time researching on this board, yet everytime I book a new trip, I feel like a neophyte and end up posting some basic questions on here!

I'm NYC based, but plan to start my trip elsewhere so I can fly back to NYC without terminating the ticket. I'm thinking:

MIA-LAX (to get the 3-class 777) on AA

LAX-SYD on a QF A380, followed by four segments in the region

SYD-HKG, followed by four segments in Asia, probably ending up in BKK

BKK-LHR, so I can get another ride on a QF A380, followed by four segments in Europe

LHR-JFK.

So here are my questions:

1. Am I correct that if I do this as planned, I will still have five segments available in N. America?

2. Am I correct that my LHR-JFK flight can not be less than 10 days following my LAX-SYD flight? Any way around this (e.g., flying to Canada instead of JFK)?

3. Is there anywhere along my route where I might be able to buy a second, cheaper xONEx? In the past, I've saved a lot of money purchasing tickets in BKK and ICN, but looking at current fares I'm not seeing anything all that convenient (I'm not planning to hop over to Sudan or South Africa!).