I have no problem with SDFC on some routes. LAXDFW has been tough for me. I used to think I could figure out the reason, but as has been posted, AA changed the requirements and they seem to be quite nebulous.

On some routes, in my experience, it tends to be as long as they have at least one seat to sell in J, they will let me SDFC into it. I have a hunch that on major “connector” flights that feed premium international traffic, AA is far tighter in terms of inventory control to allow more flexibility in reaccommodating premium pax affected by irrops. All speculation on my part so please take with a grain of salt.

Edited to add: after the recent changes, some of my routes became FAR easier to SDFC. So definitely not “total fraud” from my experience. YMMV.