Thanks all - I did call before booking based on this happening previously. Unfortunately, I have to be on this exact flight. It's short so I don't mind not getting the upgrade. I'm just trying to understand and point out to AA that there's a bug. I guess I thought this would be something AA would care about fixing - oh well.
Two friends (EXP and CK) have checked on aa.com and EF. Both see exactly what I see - still today more than 24 hrs after booking.
Presuming I hear something down the road (doubtful) - I'll post the result.