I'm looking to optimize a trip in April, in terms of cost, comfort, and tier points (I credit to BA). Basically I need to fly from PHX to Tokyo, Beijing, and Hong Kong, before returning back to the US. Total trip is approximately two weeks, with a few days in Tokyo, four days in Beijing, and then a week in Hong Kong.

I could fly paid business class via work, though I do have a placeholder award on AA in First for the TPAC segment as insurance in case prices go up too much before I make a booking.

The main challenge seems to be there there are no good options for a 3-segment business class trip for something like NRT/HND-PEK-HKG-NRT/HND, or even for a 2-segment trip such as NRT/HND-PEK-HKG (or other permutations).

So the seemingly best option I've found is:

PHX-(AA)-LAX-(JL)-NRT (ticket 1)
HND-(JL)-PEK (ticket 2)
PEK-(JL)-HND (ticket 2)
HND-(CX)-HKG (ticket 3)
HKG-(CX)-NRT (ticket 3)
NRT-(AA or JL)-LAX-(AA)-PHX (ticket 1)

Ticket 1: ~$4000
Ticket 2: ~$1345
Ticket 3: ~$1419

Possible concerns:
1. Layover at HND between ticket 2 and ticket 3 is 3.5 hours. I've heard that departures from PEK can be very delayed, so are JL/CX likely to help me out if there's a substantial delay?
2. Similarly, on the return between ticket 3 and ticket 1, I'm inclined to choose the AA flight for flight protection, though it's a 772 and there's still the risk of the old AA J seat.
3. Could fly AA both ways and explore F upgrade options (there's some availability)
4. Not a big deal to have two extra flights, but maybe there's a better OW routing option that I'm missing?

So, are there any tips or secrets that I might be missing in booking this type of itinerary? Any suggestions on a better routing? I've looked at options of flying out of HKG back to the US, but they add $1000 or more which is difficult to justify given the variety of options available.