From what I've heard so far, this is my problem:

"Stopovers and open jaws are permitted unless otherwise specified."

And from the travel award page:

Stopover Rewards allow you to take a scheduled break in travel on the route between your point of origin and your destination city (e.g., a stopover in Houston on a flight from Los Angeles to Newark).

* Stopover Reward travel is valid within or between the 48 contiguous United States, Alaska and Canada.
* Point-of-origin and destination cities may not be used as en-route stopovers.
* Generally, stopovers are allowed only along the most direct route of travel.


It seems like a YMMV / depends on what rep you get type of situation. I guess I could keep calling back and asking for the same thing until I get someone who's willing to give it to me.

I would use the 10k extra per ticket - I decided on flying Y.