In the past there has been a window period of a week or two when the information was made available. Once the agencies have been informed the information is in the public domain so I don't understand the argument about not informing peoiple with pending bookings. Many merchants do exactly that. Have you never encountered a "buy now before prices increase" advertisement? Are you are in the same breath saying that the AA RTW agent acted against his/her employer's interest by sharing a "rumour" with you?

Your blithe assumption that I have been caught short is also just plain wrong: I have no RTW trips planned but not booked, let alone booked but not ticketed.

My dig was more generally aimed at the fact that nothing useful has been forthcoming from the direction of OW4U in an awfully long time. At least he/she/they could have the grace to let us know that they've bowed out.