“And, three of those times it was for pipeline right-of-ways and I still technically owned the surface rights”
right-of-way generally implies ownership; are you sure you didn’t just give up a pipeline easement?
No, it implies access. They have to have access to it to maintain it. They don't own it. The only thing they own is the pipe in the ground. It's all still part of my deed at the court house.
Many people make the mistake of thinking that the landowner no longer owns the well platform or pipeline. So, much so, that they think they can freely drive down it with four-wheelers or hunt on it just because it's a pipeline or well site. They find out differently the hard way if the land owner, deputy, or game warden catches them on it.