FWIW, I managed to grab a 40K award YUL-ORD-FCO//AMS-LHR-ORD-YUL last year in Apr-May before the summer 60K award set in. When I called in, the agent's immediate response was "I doubt there is availability as ORD-FCO is a very popular route." Little did he know that I had checked the T availability on Sabre and it showed T1. It was a fantastic trip and the first award I redeemed after years of traveling on AA. The check-in agent at YUL totally flattened my high-spirits at least until ORD, when the FCO crew kicked in and did a super-excellent job. I guess they too were in high-spirits and looking forward to going to Rome!

Closer to date, 40K award availability was also good in Dec-Jan this year. I managed to grab YUL-ORD-LHR-CDG//FCO-LHR-YUL for two. I am quite pleased with the All Airlines Award, at least until the recent changes made to the award system (and availability perhaps?). I have not claimed an award since then but remain somewhat optimistic.