Either way it turns out, I figure it's still worth it. I put it in my mind I won't be getting to Asia until Q3 of 2022, and that's probably at the earliest.
All considering, Malta seems like a good choice to go hang out for a while as I wait for Asia to open up. Plus I get 6 months without any issue or hassle. Stamped in for 90 days at the airport, extendable by another 90 days within country.