A final itinerary change (or what happens when you're stupid cheap):

I'd ended up heading back towards Europe from KL with a combo of cheap AirAsia flight (KUL-COK, $12) and AA award (COK-AUH-FCO, 20k AA + $5)

Of course I chanced it/was lazy and didn't get transit visa- I wasn't planning on leaving the airport in India. Air Asia said nope, wouldn't let me on the flight. In my defense I'd done the same on different tickets in Septembe @ DEL,no problem. Wasn't only one in this position for the flight, the agent admitted it happens on that flight EVERY.DAY.

Well, I was only out $12. What to do?

I didn't have enough miles to go from KUL to Europe, so I had to buy something that went to "South Asia/India region". Which was Maldives.

I find this hilarious.

Anyway, scored a flight (on Air Asia, arrrgh) for $140 just few hrs before the flight. AA agents felt sorry for me and waived fees on their own initiative (I got the feeling they thought my solution was ridiculous) and just charged me difference in taxes, which was $19.

Had to blow extra $50 on room/food for a day, but hey! visited Maldives!
PS please note that if you're a woman you can't wear a bikini at the beach despite what hotel tells you unless at private resort. I played it safe with tank top tunic over, but a poor Estonian lady in her 70s got reprimanded by the police while I was there and had to cover up.

Flight from AUH to FCO was 3+hrs late though so hopefully a chance to recoup some of that.