Fantastically useful forum and thanks esp to Pandaperth for the Wiki!

I am trying to construct a 12 month One World (4 continent) RTW starting from Sydney in March 2025. The actual route and stops/segments are less an issue than the Unavailable Dates for such a long trip. Admittedly I tend to plan and book too far ahead, but if I was to book in October, then 3 or 4 of the 9 flights would have to have dummy dates, I know that the rules imply that these date changes should be at no cost but how likely is that to be the case? And especially if I am forced (via the first flight) to have the ticket managed via Qantas?

I would very much appreciate the opinions of you experts on ....

1. Whether "Unavailable date" changes are likely to be at No cost in this scenario?
2. Whether I can choose AA as the ticket manager as I belive they are easier to deal with than Qantas?
3. Whether I should just relax and make the booking much later?

In short, I don't want to pay 3 or 4 date changes at $USD125 each but very unsure of the best way around this for a 12 month trip.

Thanks in advance for your help. And please let me know if there is critical information I have ommitted.

William