Likely AS has implemented some metrics that discourage use of partner desk(s). Penny wise, pound foolish decisions but not surprising. Last few agents I talked to about award changes were pretty much incompetent. One didn't even know that you could book non-oneworld airline partner awards with Alaska. She kept insisting that Korean Air was "not a partner" when I asked about rebooking options on a JAL flight change. HUACA eventually worked but what a waste of time for everyone.