The only point in going out of your way is because you want to see a new destination through a long layover or stopover, there is a tremendous business class/first class product you really want to try or you have a lot of points and the only way to use them after being flexible with your schedule and searching is by doing the route. If I am going on a 2 week vacation I don’t want to be going out of my way to get to where I am going. I haven’t done connecting flights in more than 9 years. For me non stops are key since I live in nyc. The more flights you have to take the more can go wrong with your trip. You may be delayed and miss your connection, your flight might be cancelled, you might be rerouted, your luggage may be lost, and etc. If flying in economy you add an extra 5-8 hours in flying time to save money it is not worth it. Even in business it’s a pain. That’s why I do hate the convoluted award flights where they have your direct segment but it is tied to multiple flight connections. If they have your segment avaliable it is a waste for everyone involved to fly in the wrong direction pretty much.