Ok. So this is legal and I'm not as insane as Guy Betsy. I know, thats subjective, so sue me.

Thanks for all the responses, btw. Question is is there a difference or advantages / disadvantages booking an RTW directly through a respective airline? I'm Gold with BA but have no status directly with AA but the AA RTW desk provides such good service compared with BAs anemic EU customer service. Should I just give in and call AA to plan this? Are there other airline numbers to call.

Is Oprah responsible for the whole situation?