S-H-J -
I know what you mean about stopovers, but I've actually been doing it the same way for so long(!!) that I've got used to the routine - ie - get in, get the head in traveling mode until you get out at the final destination!
Years ago, I stopped for the night en route to the southern hemisphere, couldn't sleep or settle, and at the end reckoned it was just wasted time! Could have got there 18 hours sooner!
I also looked at the round the world option - never done it before - but if I'm only able to be "away" for a set time - it just means less time at intended destination. I also looked - as I'd never looked before, at the San Francisco option with BA 744 to the San Fran, then ANZ onwards. But somehow I'm not attracted to BA 744 without knowing which cabin spec etc, and anyway - did that years ago. No less expensive that EK either.
Thanks one and all for the thought starters - very helpful community as ever!