Here is my experience during the last week of July 2022. I am an LT PLat and my wife does not have FF status with AA.
My son booked the two of us round trip tickets to visit him later this month. All AA metal flights. On two different PNRs.

When I called to get the PNRs linked or connected or combined, whichever language you wish to use, it was not allowed.
What was done was my wife was given the power to book seats as if she had the same status as a me, but only within her own PNR.
Reality is, boarding together will not be a problem. The only thing we were not able to do was change the number of suitcases she could check for free.
I can check 2, she can only check one.

I cannot speak to what might happen in the event of a problem, and I am hoping there will be none. But so far, this is what has transpired for us.