Er, what. If he routes to the final destination or co-terminal, it would no longer be considered a trip-in-vain. If you route to your final destination you would be sure to get the miles, but no refunds. If you declare a trip-in-vain (which means they will route you back to your origin using the most convenient path), you will get a refund and the miles for your flown segments. Technically, they only have to refund the unflown segments, but I believe they will generally refund the entire flight. If you get the refund, I wouldn't count on getting ORC for the unflown segments.
I think the point is that he wants the miles. So he wants to do the trip. So no declaration of trip-in-vain.
I think he does not want to get stuck in SJC