I noticed the same a few months back. But it is not always the case. At the time, I also noticed that whenever I could hear other conversations, the agent was not very well versed in the specific AA EXP procedures and details of benefits. I concluded that it was the former US agents where this would happen.
So I put my hypothesis to the test. Whenever I would hear others in the background, I would ask: "May I ask you if you were formerly working for AA or US?" And the answer always was US. I did tell one of them of my observation, when she asked why I had that question. She laughed and said that she had heard of something similar to that before.

So, when that happen, you can try to ask and see if this is consistent.