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If I am to book an open return with any route permitted - can I feasibly go from Wigan-Manchester Pic then Manchester to London Euston rather than the direct Wigan-London Euston?
I assume that by "open return" you mean the £82.40 offpeak return (or the £317 anytime return). If so, then both seem to be valid for travel via Manchester Piccadilly.
The timings travelling via Manchester will be at least 30 minutes longer but potentially offer additional journey opportunities. There is no extra to pay for taking this route.
If I am to book an open return with any route permitted - can I feasibly go from Wigan-Manchester Pic then Manchester to London Euston rather than the direct Wigan-London Euston?
That's perfectly fine, though you are likely to be slower that way than joining the hourly service from Wigan North Western that is fast from Warrington Bank Quay to Euston.