Originally Posted by jamienbaker

That's incorrect. Airlines like CX don't release 4 SIMULTANEOUSLY (actually, I've seen it, but it is rare). But you can get them over time with patience. I'm flying MIAEZE in 2 weeks, AA had 5 F awards available when I booked a few weeks ago.

Quite simply, yours is a popular but mistaken opinion that helps others claim awards!

EDIT - As an aside, there are some airlines (like Aerolineas and Qatar) that do not seem to EVER release more than 2 premium awards. In this case, you split party. We're flying Qatar to JNB, unfortunately it necessitates my wife and son flying from BOS while I'll fly from JFK with my other son. We'll meet in DOH and continue on - together - to JNB.