I booked an R class QR ticket through Alaska's website. QR-code flights -- not a code share. It was a pain to get it to ticket, with many timeouts and need to open new windows in incognito mode, but worth the effort since the flights were the exact same cost as through Qatar, but would earn twice as many EQM.
The relevant chart is actually
here, which lists the range for earning as "(QR) 1–2949, 3000–3149, or 5000–6599" and valid business fare classes "
J, C, D, I, R, P". My flights fall into that range, were booked on AlaskaAir.com, and flown in 2025.
It comes down to this: Did you book through Alaska and fly in 2025?
I know it's supposed to be as easy as you say, but when even an AS representative gives a contrary response I can't help but feel like I can't rely on the simple interpretation of the rules.
Regardless, thank you very much for confirming. This will be very helpful for future travel and racking up those EQMs.