OUTCOME from the initial problem (posting #1):

No problem at all with AA with the surname/initial on the ticket. CX (who issued the tickets) did make an entry to the PNR saying something like: "Dear AA Agent, please uplift coupon as name is too long for ticket (then wrote in full surname, and first names)". Unsure if the AAgent actually got down to the annotated PNR.

BUT we were hit with the usual SSSS and spent 1 hour in the queue at SFO to get the "treatment". Went through their new toy - the "puffer machine". Not sure how it does the stuff, but the air jets are like a dry shower and when pointing upwards, make shirts and skirts lift upwards. The operators must have fun with that. Makes up for handling sweaty shoes all day long.