There is no mystery at all. When looking at the flights on AA.com (Price and Schedule view), there is a little "plus" sign that, on any website, indicates "more information." If you simply expand the flight it will show you the fare class. This is long before "the end."
No need to call. Just use the available tools.
As for how the AAdvantage program works, the FAQ (where it says "please check here first" is a good place to look) for the very basic information, such as this:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...l#post11822022
Cheers.
True, but I don't know of a way to book into a specific fare class on AA.com unless the website offers it to you.
Of course, the hold and call to upfare works very well to avoid the phone ticketing fee. And using ITA to check the fare, as
Djokison suggested.