I agree with those who say that AA can and should do whatever it needs to do to survive. I also agree with those who say that it something different is going on. Award availability for fixed periods around the holidays is clearly being restricted in a way it is not just outside those fixed periods. The award calendar gives a very good visual depiction of this.
Take a common routes that commonly has a lot of availability - I picked DCA/DFW, in November. The chart shows all bright green/light blue, but for a completely gray period 11/15-27 (for economy) and 11/15-26 (for first). I tried some other routes, basically the same result.
It may or may not be an "embargo" or a "script," and it's not the end of the world, but there is something going on and we shouldn't be afraid to talk about it. FT is about frequent flyer programs and strategies, after all.