MileageAddict, about your #3 item...in route, on demand stopovers. In Russia, that can actually be done! A few years ago on 20/20, they had a segment on commercial air travel in Russia. 20/20 reported that that if you have a moderate amount of money to bribe the pilots, they WILL stop at the destination of your choice! no kidding. But on the down side, when the plane needs parts in order to fly, the pilots go around with a collection plate and let the plane just sit at gate until they get enough money!