Yeah!
they are cheaper than NW's actually. Last CHristmas I fly DTW-HKG with AA for around US$8xx with NW is $11xx at the same time.
This April I fly back to HKG and return in late Aug for a ticket only for $7xx.
My agent put me to JAL flight once, it still can earn AA miles (non-status miles).
1800miles to trade a use of the Wing.... maybe worth it