Not being an expert on all the rules, I can offer a few hints also:

1. Definitly use the RTW desk for AA -- they are the best agents AA has -- and from personal experience, they give the EXP desk agents a run for their money.

2. Sit, relax and have a drink while you do it -- it may take a long time with that many routes.

3. If you are dealing with a NYC CTO -- use the 7th avenue location and ask for Maureen McNally (I think is her last name -- but definitly Maureen) -- she is a great agent who helped me alot with my RTW trip (both a purchased and mileage trip).

4. If you are flexible, drop by the CTO, pay for the ticket and tell them you will come back in 24-48 hours to pick up your physical ticket. It looks like you have 20 or so segments which will require a HANDWRITTEN ticket -- sabre can only handle 16 tickets. Hence -- come back later to pick them up -- the agent will love you.

5. Make sure that your itin. is correct -- if you need to change a segment, it appears that an entire new ticket needs to be issued (we were waitlised for 1st class on a flight that became available. They switched us and I was only going to bring the changed flight coupon (we had printed tickets). I was told they cannot replace just one coupon).

6. Enjoy your trip.

--Jim