I'm also curious if that
#6 above would work -- i.e., swap the origin/destination after booking in order to book the
intended first segment as early as possible (meaning that is the return segment when first booked). Thanks.
The same question came up on the
thread about booking ANA using Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points. Flyertalkers have told me directly that yes, they were able to switch the order, and no, they weren't able to switch the order. YMMV since here you're talking about booking directly with ANA.