I checked with AA to find out how this is supposed to work. The agreement they have is that wait list priority is determined by oneWorld status. Therefore if you are Emerald, regardless of ff program, you are on top of the list. Then comes Sapphire, then Ruby, then the rest.

AA said that they are honouring the arrangement but had heard that there are cases with other oneWorld carriers where this was not happening. They suggested complain loudly to a reservations supervisor of the airline you are waitlisted on and if that does not work call the reps on the desk of your ff program and have them speak directly to the other airlines reservations.

No guarantees but if enough pressure is applied we should see the rule being applied consistently.