Super helpful thread, thanks! I'm currently looking at a Business Class RTW itinerary and I would appreciate some help if someone can give it. So far I priced it out from Oslo and Cairo (as these are said to be the cheapest starting locations). So far I have only used the online booking tool (both the old one and the new beta which is even worse). Example routing OSL-DOH-HKG-PER-SYD-TYO-HNL-BOS-OSL (not all direct).

1. Cairo currently has an extremely attractive base fare (less than US$ 3k), but whenever I try pricing out an itinerary it switches the currency to Australian Dollars and doubling the base fare in the process. I tried itineraries without Australia or any Qantas flights, but it still does it. How do I get the Egyptian base fare?
2. Are there guidelines on how to minimize taxes and fees (e.g., which airline to avoid). For example flying SYD to TYO directly on Qantas adds US$1000+ in fees as compared to just flying via Brisbane with the long haul on JAL.
3. Given the pain-in-the-neck factor of the tool, I would probably prefer booking directly with an airline. Is there a "preferred" airline to use? What happens if you price it out on the tool and the airline agent quotes you a much higher price for the same itinerary.
4. Not sure if this is on topic (please disregard if isn't). Given the complexity, I would be interested working with a knowledgeable travel agent, but these have become rare. How would I find one who is good at this type of thing and/or can someone make a recommendation?