In a way yes. I may be overthinking this, and thinking it loud too, in hope to get some feedback/ suggestion.

Asking on different threads / in different forums because readership is different. Matter of fact, on 2 unrelated threads I got some very useful suggestion / data points that if we do through check of our bags even if we may not need it, the 2 separate OW carrier tickets would be merged into one itinerary, by CX. This has been proven to "change" the passenger's status from originating to transfer, in QF system. This is suggested to me in AS forum, AND as a personal experience to pass along to me in CX forum - by way of answering my different questions, albeit related to the same trip.

Had I not laid out the situation in 2 different, totally UNRELATED threads, in 2 different airlines forums, I would never learn about this. It adds to my knowledge because I have not known about this little gem exists.

Because forums in FT are very inter-related - when one itinerary involves multiple issuers / multiple operators, naturally questions would be asked in different forums. Just ignore my posts so if would not bother you.

And sorry I missed your "credit card" comment - true, with cards, can travel. I gave this to a Canadian border control officer when we entered Canada in late August, the officer asked how much cash we had with us... Sorry Sir, we only have ATM cards and credit cards, and may be 40 to 50CAD.. Guy smiled broadly behind his sunglasses... Almost 15 years ago we replied very similar question to Canadian border control officer on a land crossing... But the officer of yesterday year wasn't amused. LOL.