Last month I flew 3 flights on AV in J class (XXL). All booked via Aeroplan. During the preceding 3 months or so, I tried myriad ways to secure seats, including via Aeroplan, AC, and AV, whether thru chat, website, or app. Even stopped at AV counters in several airports. Nothing helped until checking in at -24 (sometimes -48.) Given the three flights were on widebodies with "real" Bus Cls lay-flats, it all worked out ok. But still, it should've been easy enough. These STAR partners need to get their act together.