Just made my call to AA ExPlat desk! I talked to one of the nicest agents in AA. We had a nice chat about the discontinuation of such award. She said we should be able to upgrade on any OW carriers. Too bad, I said!
Anyway, I got my YVR-HKG-YVR booked and upgraded to F. That is nice. Although I have to fly both flights on Airbus A340-300, it is still nice. They have the Betsy seats.
Carfield