This is the key for you:
Originally Posted by
HongKonger
3. The trip you are attempting to book must fit the requirements for that published fare, such as advance purchase, minimum/maximum length of stay, Saturday night stay, etc. you can also check fare rules on EF.
Whether they open the bucket or not, your timing must fit the fare rules.
Often I've seen fare buckets available for a flight in, say, 3 days, but any published fare would require a longer advance purchase, so it's sort of useless for buying a new ticket.
It is useful, however, for SDC, making changes to already purchased tix, etc.
You can see fare rules on EF.
Edit:Oops - I was writing just as you were.
I also agree that $1000 isn't bad for a Sept. TATL these days.