I booked another DUB trip today. Checked ExpertFlyer and both international segments were available for upgrade. Called the EXP desk, and as soon as the agent answered I knew there will be problems. I'm not sure if this has anything to do with Sunday evening, but I knew. Sure enough. The agent checks my e-VIP balance and tells me I'm good to go. I tell the agent to go ahead and pull the certs, but I also inform the agent that I still want to think about it till tomorrow. The res is held till midnight tomorrow. The agent informs me that "I can't do that. AA has a new policy that if I pull the certs I also need to ticket"
I tell the agent that I've never heard of this new policy, but the agent insists. I inform the agent that I'm not sure if I need this trip so I will call back tomorrow. I hang up.
30 minutes later I call back. What a difference. I knew as soon as I heard his voice that there will not be any problems. Rick from Cincy office was very happy to pull the certs, assign the seats and inform me that I have till tomorrow, 11p ET to ticket.
The reason I wanted to get the upgrade was because the ORD-DUB only had C1 left. Now it's showing C0.

BTW, I hate to do this to AA but for $268 I'm flying in F domestic, C international. Collecting ~20K miles total, 10K EQMs and EQPs. W fare.