Thanks for the good suggestions. I already tried a few: Calling the Exec Pt desk in the US gave me the same result as Delhi AA reservations; no visibility of AY seats I am looking for two seats on AY from BKK to KUL...AY say they have award seats, but AA can't see them.
AA have confirmed two U seats on SFO to SYD, with a return to SIN on the same day (one seat U and one seat X (yuck!)) - just enough time for a nice Sydney lunch...it begins to sound tempting, except for me sitting in Y back to SIN, while Mrs VanMan relaxes in Y.
I'll let you all know how it turns out.