Update:

One negative one positive…

The first person I talked to was adamant about the higher Avios calculation. When I tried to explain that I did not want to utilize the RFS, he didn’t understand. I asked him again to recalculate and I got “accidentally” cut off. It was quite frustrating since I had been on hold waiting for one hour.

I called back and after 30 minutes was put through to another person. She immediately knew what I was referring to and stated the flights would be saved until the entire outbound and return were added and stated that the correct Avios amounts would be calculated. She understood the proper (non RFS) calculation would be applied.

It is such a pleasure talking to someone who goes above and beyond. Thank you A*** in customer service/ reservations!!!