A positive-space non-rev means that the employee WILL get on the flight, even if AA has to bump a revenue passenger to make it happen. Common examples of positive-space non-rev situations include:
I'm not sure if 1) non-rev policies have changed in the last 7 years since I was an airline employee (very possible) or 2) AA's policies are different than WN (also very possible), but my knowledge of non-rev travel is:
Space available - no reservation, strictly standby after revenue pax
Positive space - can make a reservation, but can be bumped by revenue pax
Must ride - cannot be bumped.
Is this not still the order of things?