I'm patting myself in the back, it took 2 days almost full time but I did it, the +200 valuable pages of this thread.

No I can proudly wear the Aadvantage Eshopping Expert badge!

There's so much value on this thread, I really appreciate the shared knowledge!.

So I went straight 'manos a la obra' (good time to begin with 3x and the 1% egift Visa available) and i'm sharing my unsuccessful DPs:

First of all fully registered with gc.com , expecting this creates a better safety profile

'break-in' of the new account and cc's:

1) Tried with a BigBank Mastercard, buying a $100 branded gift card (no even a vVGC), from a store I can probably liquidate/have use in the near term:

All the process went thru, got the confirmation number and the AAdvantage shopping button pop-up.
Almost immediately got the dreaded cancellation email.
Shortly later got the AAdvantage eShopping Mall tracking email, so probably i'll at least get the 'consoLation Prize' for the effort.
Full charge reflected on my CC, with immediate refund.

2) Tried with a Small Bank (those for low credit score/building credit) VISA , tried again with $100 branded gift card (no even a vVGC), same email recipient (next tests will be with another recipient, as some of the valuable DPs shared on this thread suggest).
Transaction displayed as declined (no no shopping button pop-up).
No confirmation or cancellation email.
No AAdvantage eShopping Mall tracking email, as expected.
Full charge (not $1) on my CC, still not refunded, so tomorrow i'll check.

I'll wait the full 24 hours to make more test and hopefully will get my first positive soon, better late than never!