I just have a quick question regarding this ordeal, but let me see if I get things straight

• The certificates in question, cannot be used by anyone else, but a member of aeroplan with elite status
• I am certain that there are similar coupons for other airlines, that cannot be used unless you have elite status
• Everyone else uses CC for their exchanges

Why should AC be the exception?

And the answer of "it's the way it's always been done" is not a valid one, CC was designed for that purpose, to cover all travel related exchanges.