Since the start of the CO-NW alliance, has anyone have a problem in booking domestic first class awards?

I have Platinum Elite status with CO. In the past, I've had very few problems booking domestic F awards, even on typical business routes, i.e., IAH-ORD, ORD-EWR, etc. If I can't get the exact flights I want, all I have to do is go on a different flight or move my travel dates by 1 or 2 days. For 5,000 miles more (50,000-mile award), CO waivers the Saturday night stay rule.

Last week, I tried to book an award ticket (AUS-PHL) for the last week of October. Apparently, there are no seats in F on CO, NW, or HP using the 40,000-mile award! There are no 40,000-mile award seats for the entire month of October and November for this routing! Also, a Saturday night is now required. The 50,000-mile award has been discontinued. However, the agent cheerfully informed that there were F seats available if I wanted to use 65,000 miles. Is this a rip off or what? So much for alliances! I thought the whole point about alliances was more seats and better access.

I called DL and asked if they have seats. I have Platinum Medallion status with DL. Sure enough, I got my first choice of flights in F. I didn't even have to book a Saturday night stay.