Originally Posted by
izzik
Perhaps the trick is to use a non-AA/non-QR flight as the first overwater segment? If AA requires their metal to do the ticketing, do it for US-Asia or US-SWP.
I guess this depends on your motivation. If you just want to fly a lot of miles and get status flying a long AA segment might suit you. I wanted to get specific flights and not be forced to AA just to have them ticket. As you mentioned YMMV and not everyone in the community will benefit from a long AA leg.