As I reported here http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-c...ct-flight.html

I previously had very good luck as much as three weeks out redeeming a Classic reward for J class to Australia via Asia in January 2012. I am based in YYC, but had much better success originating in YVR. I also found that there were flight combinations and routing that were not visible on the AP website that I was able to uncover with a phone call to the call center.

Perhaps enlist them in helping to secure the possible options and then accidentally "disconnect" before booking on line?