Your problem with the AA ticket & miles may be that they're quoting you a codeshare on British Airways, & that doesn't accrue AA miles (I don't think -- has to do with the lack of antitrust resolution of the AA-BA oneworld alliance).

Or do you mean a 40,000 mile cash-in FF ticket doesn't earn miles?

More info would help.

In any case, if you're tied to AA, try their forum, too -- not all those guys will be checking here. & they'll surely know a lot more about AA than I do!