Thanks for all the opinions. I'd love to add stopovers in every transit city, but my fiancee is uninterested. She likes to travel with a closet checked, so then she complains about unpacking and repacking.
I'll try to snag the AC route. I didn't realize it was such a rare find. I need to transfer some miles into my United account to top off. Hopefully the awards are still available when everything clears.
Regarding a layover in YVR, would I need to recheck bag and go through immigration? Obviously if I leave the airport... I'm wondering about people just staying airside.
Regarding true stopovers on United awards, I believe this is only allowed on round-trip awards.