Looks like your posts crossed within a few seconds of each other.
a 14-2 set of travelers going to a 4 way from 3 way #1, & a 14-2 set of travelers leaving the 4 way going to 3 way #2. This is no different than the 2 wire travelers between the 3 way switches.
Agreed. If the two cables leave the 4-way in different directions, then there will be a resultant field from the single conductor on each cable which is carrying current at any instant.
That new 4-conductor Romex sounds quite handy.
