Read this thread and boost/renew is mentioned. But only in reference to someone close on miles.
Apparently the reason there is no soft landing is that they want it to be a hard landing (i.e. you can pay to keep the levels).
http://www.aa.com/i18n/urls/eliterenewal.jsp
If you are not in a 'boost range' then
Former EXP or Plat: $1,199 will give you Plat for this year through Feb 2015
Former EXP/Plat/Gold: $649 will give you Gold for this year through Feb 2015
Does not apply to keep EXP.
Only saw this in an email from AAdmirals Club.
Strange that they are not pushing this out in an email to those that have dropped to nothing.