Well, DL had no problem with two methods after splitting PNR (though haven't done anything yet):
re-fare to a one way for ~$800 and walk away from the first half of the trip
change itin to get me from asia to BUD for ~8000

my guess is that work will have me do the 800...

the 8000 was so high because they can only codeshare on the flights thru AMS vs CDG is what I gather, which puts me on a combi which is pretty much booked up.