For posterity - If you see the segment-by-segment availability on AA.com but cant book it, it is not phantom, but you will need to call AA and speak with a good / persistent agent.

Tell the agent that the reservation needs to be held (waitlisted), which should produce an AA record locator. It's ok if the ticket comes back unconfirmed. Then, the RJ liason to AA can confirm the waitlisted ticket.

It may take a second phone call after waitlisting the ticket, since there seems to be some time delay before RJ's systems recognize it correctly.

Of course, agents are familiar with the technical aspects / logistics, so trust the process. Just takes a nudge in the right direction.