And in an anticlimactic end to this, I decided to call the SE desk this evening to check on the status of my refund but was connected with a very friendly (and bored) concierge. I explained to him all the flight changes, Amadeus, etc when I had originally tried to get the refund, the 6 weeks i've been waiting, and when he pulled up the PNR commented it had been requested the wrong way and insisted on personally spending some time this evening to get my refund processed (including going back and listening to my conversation with the SE desk agent 6 weeks ago to better understand how she had messed it up so badly). 45 minutes later and I've just received a refund email from Air Canada for the full amount.

I guess the DOT complaint will come back as resolved.

My 3 Aeroplan cancellations refunds posted on my credit card last week, so now aside for a credit from a cancelled speaking engagement in March (their problem, my credit), and a couple of United vouchers (much better refund system) I'm finally free until October. I really hope we're all flying again by then.

Have a great summer Air Canada, see you in the fall.