I inquired about a status match with AA last year (Aug 2001). I was CO Gold at the time.

The rep on the phone told me I would be comped to AA Plat without a problem...or I could do the challenge. Since the Comp was a once-in-a-lifetime thing I chose to do neither.

I suggest you keep calling until you find someone to give you the answer you want. AA will comp CO Gold to AA Plat, you simply have to find the right person.