Your original post implies that you were seeking, and booked, a points based flight, specifically a OWA flight. I don’t know how a sale fare can also be a OWA points redemption fare, unless I’m missing something.I was aware of the Ts&Cs but I'm also aware of this approach working in the past. As I said its worth a try and I have nothing to lose. TAlso these werent award flights, they were sale fares and I have the option of using them or cancelling well ahead so nil guilt.
If it is a cash paid sale fare, do the T&C of that fare bucket allow multiple date changes, destination changes or cancellation with full refund as you plan to do?