Thanks all. I was polite to AA and left out the hyperbole! In truth, I had to see my doctor this week about suspected dvt--but all is okay, just a ligament issue.

I did have what were listed as "premium" seats--so maybe I was given them in error. I was under the impression I had paid extra, which I often do when using points for travel. I was just able to do the same thing when booking seats with Chase points to Alaska on Delta and buying "comfort seats" with dollars (or points). Perhaps I paid dollars for the AA seats.

American sent me a sympathetic reply with various excuses about changing the flight in their system.... I wrote a nice reply. Will report.

Even so, the trip was well worth it!