We got ticketed by LifeMiles months ago for two flights, both on Turkish metal in J.
Depart 27 Oct, ORD-IST-TLV.
Turkish has suspended all service to TLV until at least 12 November, but *very notably* is not officially cancelling flights until 24 hours in advance. Log in and check the status of all IST-TLV flights today, and they're all cancelled. 23 hours out? Cancelled. **25** hours out? Scheduled and on time.

Turkish's policy for TLV passengers can be found with a quick Google search, but essentially we (would) have three options (if ticketed thru Turkish...): Choose a new final destination 'in the same region', travel the same route at a later date, or receive a full refund.
We would like to rebook to a new destination. We would like to keep our ORD-IST leg (great timing, great seats, etc) and simply change the last leg to IST-ATH (or, if that's not in the same region -- we can be flexible). Turkish said that they cannot effectuate the change on their end, telling me to contact LifeMiles -- which I expected.

When I contact LifeMiles, I'm hitting two problems:
1. My first choice is to follow Turkish's guidance and choose a new destination. LifeMiles, of course, claims this is not possible. Question to you all: Has anyone escalated the issue far enough that they were able to do a route change?
2. Second choice would be to refund and we could repurchase a different ticket. However, because Turkish has only suspended service and are not cancelling until 24 hours prior to any departure, LifeMiles cannot make any changes -- at least without a $400 cancellation fee. Of course, by the time Turkish cancels 24 hours prior and I'm able to get miles refunded, there will be little to no award availability even IF the miles hit in time to book. What can I do here?

Lastly -- a weird one... A Turkish agent I spoke with casually mentioned two things:
a. that a Sales office may be able to make the change I need but I need to go in person. What?! Is there any truth to that?! The nearest one is two hours away but I will make that drive if they can do what I need. I called four times and get no answer.
b. Turkish has more power 24 hours prior to departure. So if I wait until just before I leave, they could rebook me, presumably according to their policies. Is that accurate?

What would you all do here before I go crazy?