Congrats on solving the problem.
I wish AA had made it easier on you (especially after you paid for a J ticket).
Not to whine, but why didn't AA get you your bag back in a timely manner without all the heartache. What would a regular, non premium/non elite flyer do? This sounds like something you'd see on A&E's airline about SW

Did they compensate you for the trouble and the expenses you mentioned?