A couple of questions if anyone would be so kind...
1. Are all the NYC-LAX sharklets flat beds?
2. Is 2:30 on the way out and 2hrs coming back ok for the connect in NYC? I'm aware it's not a usual transit.
1. Yes, Sharklets denotes the three class Airbus A321T at American Airlines. I also believe all flights JFK-LAX on AA use that aircraft pretty much exclusively, so you're good to go there.
2. Yes, should be plenty of time to connect.
I'll leave the remaining answers to others, but the B2B thread will have the info on your MAD B2B question
