Thanks for all replies. We are converging to what I had in mind ie linking (complete the party) post aa ticketing. My doubt however still is whether they would do that for an aa exp (owe) or would they reserve that privilege to gch only. Has anyone done that recently?
When I book a multi party trip on the same pnr (same classes and travel dates) everyone gets boarding and free seating but then those are tickets on the same pnr... Thanks.