The Asia Miles site does mention the stop over rule, while AA has no such restriction.

Interestingly, I have now spoken 3 times to AA and 1 time to BA US Exec Club. Each time they told me that a flight from MEL - SYD would count as Australia. These agents claim there is no requirement that the departure city be in another continent. I still am not completely sure about this rule however. Has anyone been told anything different? AA has promised me they would document my account that I had been told this information.

rich