Okay, I partially answered my own question; it seems that while change fees are still up to individual airline policies, if the airline cancels the flight, there are still plenty of legal grounds for demanding a refund.
(Will post the link in a follow-up since I need 5 posts to provide the link)
bukzin , I know this doesn't answer your original question, but it does at least partially answer the question in your subject line about refundable flights! And hopefully you're able to find the information you need.