In this case a multi city itinerary starting in the EU and ending at LHR is enough of a discount for me. I didn't think this had as much of an effect on the price as it does. Thanks to orbitmic for pointing this out. ^

Doing it this way will allow me to relax! Although in the future, I will keep in the flexibility of moving the return leg about in mind as CWS pointed out - especially if I have another long haul trip planned. Very useful.

I've learned a lot in a short time (why didn't I look into this before!). Thanks all!