Here is another strange example:

I tried to book a flight on the United web page from Los Angeles to Hong Kong (United operates a daily direct LAX-HKG flight). I inadvertently set the departure time to 9 PM instead of 9 AM. The web site suggested I take the United redeye to New York, then the next morning take the New York - Hong Kong flight which stops in Los Angeles! This crazy routing was the same price as the direct LAX-HKG flight.