My point is (was) that for a refund based upon a retiming of a flight it will still be subject to AA's policies.
I've refunded several unflown xonex tickets over the years (including thru the AA RTW desk) but always subject to the 5% reduction. If the AA RTW desk told me it was refundable in full (without the 5% fee) then I would take it up with the RTW desk or sit tight if they say everything is fine. If AA eventually comes back and says it isn't refundable at all, then I think you would recontact the AA RTW desk, AA customer service, and file a DOT complaint.
For the dates of your planned trip, will you actually be able to enter those countries? Rule 16(b)(2) would provide a full refund under the xonex rules if you are not able to enter, and you wouldn't have to rely upon AA's policies regarding cancellation/refund for a flight retiming.