Wanted to add a datapoint:

Successfully obtained two different JFK-LAX F MileSAAver (Z) seats via QMAX requests in the past week. Both were made by the EXP desk to complete separate award itineraries and I received absolutely no push back when making the QMAX request. The first request took about a day to show up in the itinerary, and the second request cleared in a matter of hours (under 4hrs). Obviously, YMMV but I've seen no difference in successful requests this year compared to past years (although the actual amount of SAAver availability on this route is the lowest I've seen in years for flights that are wide open).

-FlyerBeek