Award related charges with AA has been all over the map. I have been reimbursed in the past for the taxes/fees on award bookings and I have not been reimbursed either. Same goes for domestic miles + copay upgrades. Sometimes the $75 copay is reimbursed and sometimes it is not.

I really wish AMEX will do away with the arcane rules and make this benefit a broad airfare credit benefit. I have switched all of my airline choices from AA to UA this year and this hurts AA because for the first time in years since I left UA during the Smisek era (aka the dark ages) I'll be finding myself onboard United again.