Long story short: I'm wondering whether changing a flight myself online is considered canceling and rebooking...and if so, would it entitle me to seat fee refunds if I purchase paid seats on the new flight.

Longer story: Fam has flights to MCO coming next month for theme parks. Original flights had us leaving at 8am and arriving around 5pm. AA later changed the flights so that we'd leave at 7am and arrive at 3:30pm. I looked at other options just now and there's a slightly cheaper itinerary that would have us leaving at 6:10am and arriving at 11am -- so a much shorter layover and more theme park time on day 1. I'm tempted to do this, but we've already paid for MCE or Preferred seats on both legs of the trip. I used my AMEX Plat for that so wouldn't be "out" any money, but it feels like a waste to me. Just read the AA policy on refunds (I'll copy it below), but am wondering if changing a flight myself online is considered canceling and rebooking...in which case I could presumably apply for seat fee refunds so long as I purchase seats on the new flights as well.

Related question: Think AMEX would work with me to credit the seats fees on my new flight so long as the old ones are eventually refunded? I've used the full airline credit for this year so they wouldn't automatically reimbursed, but I'd have to buy them upfront in order to submit a refund request for the changed flight.

Sorry this is so convoluted, but thanks for any advice!When you can request a refund for seats

You can request a refund online if you paid for seats and you:

• Cancel your flight, rebook, and pay for seats on your rebooked flight.
• Cancel your flight within 24 hours and booked at least 7 days before departure.