I tried to book a Reward seat over a 3 hour period this afternoon/evening while they were having problems.

It was disappointing that AE would not waive the telehone booking fee while they are having technical problems as they were having today. It would only make common sense that we shouldn't have to be out of pocket and inconvenienced further... but what do I know?

It all worked out in the end while I watched the available inventory drop from Y3 to Y2 after my reward ticket was finally completed!