Just a random observation regarding SWUs... From my recent experience it looks like AA has gotten better at clearing SWUs automatically and well in advance. I cleared LAX-PEK on Sunday for December and just cleared a Thursday evening ORD-LAX (overnighting prior to LAX-PEK) flight which is nice on a hub to hub route with decent business travel.
Not sure if I got lucky here or they are making some strides in making SWUs somewhat more valuable. In the past, international sectors only cleared 2-3 days in advance if I waitlist even when the J cabin wasn't selling.