Excellent response Often1. I can imagine a unsuspecting traveler who wanted to do what the OP wanted to do and then be stuck with no reservation pleading to the ticket counter agent to reinstate one reservation only to be told that they must purchase an expensive ticket right on the spot or not be able to fly. "Yes I know a lot of my friends who get the rules bent". "Sir please give me all the names of the friends you know who did this. We are going to investigate it".

Southwest could take it further for second violations just like airlines do for hidden city ticketing that they would be banned from flying Southwest and a potential lawsuit in which Southwest would win. the Contract of Carriage whether you read it verbatim or not is still the responsibility of the passenger. When I make a booking rather than make speculative bookings I will select a flight that closely matches my schedule. Yes it may mean returning a day less or stay a day later than I intended but if I want a flight at a fare I'm willing to pay I will book only one flight.

Southwest did not have to explicitly spell out this particular section of the COC. As long as the passenger knows what he/she is trying to do is wrong and they still do it is a breach of contract. Just like if you know its not OK to use the FastTrack Express Lane on the Freeway and you try and jimmy your way out of the fine yes maybe the first time they may let you off or reduce the fine but next time you will be responsible to pay the fee.

I honestly hope the OP will act in good faith and only book a reservation he/she really needs. It would ruin it for us if people did not follow the rules and we would be stuck with change fees, nonrefundable tickets and no refund of the credits to use on a new flight.

If the OP came to FlyerTalk and does not hear what they don't want to hear and they still don't want to even try and follow the rules then fine we gave them the answer clear as day. If they decide to follow the rules then great.