So, if AA is being rational (not a given, as we all know), the theory that would fit this pattern is that AA's bean counters did the math and decided that if they could take the cash from Queensland and then just fill the plane with award travelers, there would be a positive impact on AA's operating figures (since AAdvantage points are a liability and the airline side of the business can presumably "charge" AAdvantage at least whatever they sell the points to the CCs for).

As stupid as this sounds, in theory this means you could have a flight that doesn't generate one cent of direct passenger-side cash flow still be profitable for the airline by way of subsidies and reduced liabilities - essentially it would be Queensland and Barclay's/Citi paying for the flight.