This is simple. And it's the same advice repeated on innumerable other "should I list" threads relating to GE and CBP in general.

YES

If you want to get into it with the one CBP Officer who decides that the transit area of some particular airport is a "visit" go ahead and don't list your international connections. If the Officer determines that you have been less than truthful, you can appeal to the Ombudsman and three years later, maybe get your GE. You can always say that you read on an anonymous Internet board that somebody was told by some CBP Officer that he need not list those transit connections.

Or, since you know the countries, why on earth not list them?

The key to success in dealing with bureaucracies is not overthinking. The question really does mean what it says.