yes, if you can get the AA PNR you should be able to access via the aa website.
note however that exit rows are definitely held for elites, i am not sure you can even pay for them (i've been an AA ExPlat since before they started charging/holding so i am unclear on the rules, sorry).
the reason for the issues could be due to the DISASTER aa.com has been the last 10-15days as they combine a lot of the US Air systems are fully integrated to aa.com--it has been very painful to book and manage travel. fyi.
i booked a flt that is a mix AA/QF and the AA agent could allocate my seats for QF so i dont know why a QF agent couldnt allocate seats on AA?
Last edited by VSLover; Jan 21, 2015 at 8:56 pm
Reason: clarity