Looking for advice on how to make the best of some disappointing news today. Wife, daughter and I plan to fly JFK-LHR-VCE and back in February 2012. On April 1 using Expert Flyer to search inventory, I successfully purchased coach tickets for two on AA100 (outbound) and AA105 (return) and usde EVIPs to immediately upgrade all four legs, while purchasing on the same itinerary in coach a AA6317 codeshare operated by BA LHR-VCE and BA 579 VCE-LHR for two. In addition on the same call, I booked a T bucket (miles) for the outbound AA100 and the same LHR-VCE flight (though ticketed on BA stock as a partner award) and a U bucket on AA105. I intended to wait for U inventory availability on AA100 or if necessary fork over 100k miles at the last minute for J so we could all sit together in J. The only hole on April 1 was the lack of any availability for the return VCE-LHR leg for miles. Summary as of April 1 -- ticketed C2 T1 on outbound and C2 U1 on return, with the intra Europe legs in coach (minus the VCE-LHR return leg pending availability).

I have called back several times looking for availability for the miles VCE-LHR ticket. Today, I learned that the AA105 schedule has been changed and is no longer a legal connection from BA579 (0:15). AA has offered to "accommodate" us all in coach on AA107 at no extra charge! I requested that the EXP phone agent call revenue management, explain the matter and request C2 U1 availability on AA107 for us. The agent tried, but revenue managment has refused and will only waitlist us. Otherwise, we can get all our money back. Incidentally, no J seats have been assigned on AA107 according to Expert Flyer.

I understand that upgrades are a perk, but I strongly feel that the facts here warrant accommodation. AA has held our money and miles for two months, and I relied on instant EVIP and U availability when I made the reservation. While rescission is admittedly available as a remedy, I want the benefit of my bargain.

Advice?