IME, the only restriction on AA that I could do without is that one over-water segment has to be AA marketed. I typically do eastbound DONE3s, so that means either U.S. to Doha or Tokyo to Boston. U.S. to Doha is easy to get QR metal with AA codeshare, and for Tokyo to Boston, I really don't care for the J hard product that JL flies on this route, so I take AA metal TYO-DFW-BOS. The AA J hard product is far superior, and I just take my own food with me.

For me, the benefit of dealing with the AA RTW desk on the phone and thus get instant answers from knowledgeable and experienced agents far outweighs the disadvantage of flying AA TPAC but having to book and manage the booking essentially by email.