It appears that with the "enhancements" to MCE, Golds will no longer receive 50% off MCE seats at purchase. Email from aa today:
"Starting today, enjoy complimentary beer, wine and spirits when you fly in
Main Cabin Extra.1 That’s on top of the other great benefits you already enjoy like:
- Extra legroom
- Earlier access to overhead bin space2
Beginning September 5, AAdvantage® Gold members will no longer receive 50% off the purchase of Main Cabin Extra seats at the time of booking. You will continue to receive complimentary access to Main Cabin Extra within 24 hours of your flight."