Yes, "polite inquiry" seems to elicit a uniform response/kiss-off: "It's not our policy anymore." A firmer inquiry, like "Thought you'd want to board those Platinums with 75,000 miles flown this year first, like elsewhere....." has earned me a "sure, go right ahead" each time.... I felt bad about having to say something, but I really do value getting on first, in my front (usually bulkhead) seat, and being able to put my case overhead, then reading. I don't feel at all guilty when I give AA mega-$$ worth of revenue when I have a no-advance-purchase fare, and have only a little guilt when it's a $200 special coast-coast.