Nice bump.

One positive development in the years since this thread was originated: one-ways (both award and paid) have generally become more available and more fairly priced.

Later this year, I'm flying to PVG on one award type and back home on a separate award type. In 2006, that wouldn't have been possible on any of my airlines.

The only potential caveat to buying only a one-way is that in some countries immigration officers will want to see the return flight confirmation.

But if you're planning to be in the country for many months and have the appropriate paperwork (student visa or whatnot), that's probably less of an issue.