Made a spelling error in my previous response and meant to say all legs originating in Australia WAS limited to $15 in YQ. I also want to know how $795 in YQ was racked up...

Also, I assume OP could’ve booked his mRTW in the other direction - start with TPE and end with the MEL-YVR which would’ve saved OP $700+. Since MEL-YVR is $15 YQ and BR and SQ do not incur YQ. But this might not work for their schedule, dates, and availability, etc.

Paying some YQ could be worth it to secure direct flight and/or difficult space on a long haul. 🙂