Thanks everyone for your input.
If I understand what is being said, all the segments have to have the same "saver" availability? If only one does (ZRH-ORD) and the other doesn't (ORD-STL) then it's a no go?
If I were to book the ZRH-ORD using points and the ORD-STL using $ (on 2 separate tickets) could they be connected so I would be protected in the event of "issues"?
Thanks...
BTW... I'm looking at flying J as much as possible on the return. Oh.. and no status either.