Thanks Chinatrvl, I just talked to my agency and they said they can't change the tickets, so I'll have to do it this way. I'll see about getting one of those other airliners as long as the price is reasonable.

What I'm wondering about then is the layout of the airport (I've tried some maps, they weren't really helpful), specifically:
a) You mention getting my baggage as the first step, is that really so? Before any visa/passport/document stations, I can go get my baggage?
b) After I have my baggage, I then fill in some visa-free form, walk past transfer immigration and into the transfer hall?
c) In the transfer hall I can check-in for my next flight, drop off the baggage and then go through passport/security to boarding area?

Thanks for your patience and help, I would've been in a deep state of panic without you