I think R class is upgraded business class. You certainly got done on this one. As RichLond said previously, the agent must have gone out of her way to change the booking codes. I would make a copy of the boarding passes and the ticket (showing the fare basis code) then submit them with letter of complaint to AA detailing the agent's actions. If you are an AAdvantage member I would be asking for some substantial compensation in terms of miles and vouchers for future travel.

My suggestion to others out there planning to take owe's owcp's and the old Global Explorer is take a printout of the fare rules and if there is an argument ask for a supervisor to look at the rules and resolve it. I've only had to do it a couple of times but it's been worth it.