I don't believe it was deliberate - it seems likely that after a few ineligible EXP (on solely "domestic" 2 class itineraries) incorrectly gained access and AA refused to pay.

So it appears that recently it was expressed strongly to the staff they were not to allow AAdvantage Elites or non status First PAX access when traveling on domestic AA services.

Either someone did not mention that there are exceptions to this (International Itinerary for Elites or inbound IFC or 3 class transcon) or did not stress these exceptions enough.