Thank you so much for the responses! I apologize if my post was confusing- it apparently reflects my current state, lol.

I am not hoping to pay anyone here, I was simply looking for guidance on how best to use the various tools at my disposal. If I were looking for somewhat empty flights, is there a code that I could plug into the ITA Matrix to find them?

I was considering breaking my flight up into a couple days creating a long layover in western Europe that would enable me to log fewer hours in that cramped position. IF I do arrange for a longer layover, would checked luggage need to be collected in the layover city?

Again, apologies for the confusion. I just find myself with a wealth of new information and I am trying my best to apply it to the ITA Matrix and SkyScanner to get a good deal.