For flexible travelers, there are premium seats available at the saver rates if you book at the last minute.

For example, I'm seeing nonstops between LAX and JFK for this weekend where there are between 2 and 4 F and/or J seats at the saver rates (Z and U inventory). Too lazy to look at SFO flights, but we need more details from the OP.

Saver seats require flexibility. Have always required flexibility. For those whose plans aren't as flexible, you can always pony up double or triple miles (used to just be double until recently) and get AAnytime awards with last-seat availability.