Often enough discussed, although with the limited search capability, asking again is understandable.

The correct answer you probably already know - your contract says you must complete the trip, and if you don't do so the airline(s) may bill you for the difference between the fare you paid and the published point-to-point fares for the segments you flew. That would be an exciting number.

That's usually followed by "but so far no one has been dinged, as far as (we) know."

Because the cost of becoming the Poster Child for RTW Compliance is potentially high, it sounds like most of the regulars go to significant lengths to complete their rtw's. My gang needs to end up at CMB in a few months, and it would be tempting to stop in Hong Kong also, but I'm not even considering it.