Have rung up the company taking the bookings. You must have travel insurance, but you don't have to buy theirs. The girl that answered the phone at this (non-AA) company reminded me of Bubble from Ab-Fab. Good luck to all those making bookings!!

Rung up AAdvantage and the said that the purchased ticket will get miles, but you won't be able to upgrade using VIPOWs on the free ticket.

They hadn't heard of the offer yet and actually wanted me to make the booking first and then find out if it was eligible!!! Explained that I couldn't reserve the flight without completing the booking, thus a bit of a gamble! She was very good about finding out from a supervisor or who ever and confirmed what I had expected.

Now that would of been a sweet deal! 2-4-1 flights, miles and upgrade eligibility on all!