Ho ho ho. Like the airlines have not figured out how to use up the most they can on at the earliest stage of the trip. Often breaking like this will ensure there is nothing left on the clock once the fees are totted up.

I have flown on CA airlines that you could add 6 more legs and each one cost at most $50 (if any more at all, that is) over a basic R/T fare so they want to earn the moolah up front and the most "non-refundy" basis the accountant and actuaries can dream up.