I realize that starting from MRU or Sri Lanka will allow me to purchase an AONEx or DONEx for the lowest price. I live in New York, so the problem is getting to MRU or Sri Lanka. Getting there seems to be more expensive than the amount I'd save compared to buying a ticket in the US.

For example, the RTW spreadsheet shows I can buy a DONE4 for about $3,500 less in MRU than in North America, but it would cost over $3,500 to get to MRU in biz, let alone to fly round trip JFK-MRU. It would be cheaper just to ticket from here.

Am I missing something obvious?

Apologies if I missed a FAQ or other post on this.