OP, I think you have stated the rules correctly, and it is unlikely that a phone agent will help you, especially as you booked with AA miles. If you had booked revenue tickets, and a phone agent could not help, then you might try customer care.

One other suggestion would be to do some research on the flight load by checking the seat map. Perhaps you could make an argument that it is to your mutual advantage for AS to put you on the later flight. Perhaps the first flight is sold out, etc.

Finally, never hurts to take carry on luggage only, and try an agent or two at the airport on the night of the flight. They are likely to tell you that as the flight was booked with AA miles, there is nothing they can do to help you, but you never know.