As someone who has recently managed to book this successfully, the skepticism about whether it’s going to be a skipped leg or not is rather irrelevant. The carrier can’t make that determination.

A chart exists. A scale of Avios exists.

I fully intend to take all three of my flights, but yes I have chosen - not taken advantage of - but chosen a route and classes that I can afford in terms of both Avios and cash. And yes, it may be that the longest sector is in Y, but that is my decision to save me Avios and cash. It is not against any rules I’ve been made aware of, other than raising eyebrows about will I or won’t I fly all the sectors.

If BA want to make a better reward chard they are free to do so. For now, I am working with what I have.