I have been planning another AONE for next year using EF to check out availability for various possible routings I might take.

Is it my imagination or is confirming A bucket fares becoming harder than it used to be?

For flights over 6 months out I am finding there are certain routes where A just never seems to show, JFK-HKG, JFK-EZE and other where there is limited availability. Even SYD-PER in D is most difficult to snag months out.

JL don't seem to want to play the game at all on most flights I have looked at.

And don't even get me started with BA MRU-LHR where I am waitlisted on flight with no seats assigned and EF shows F9 A9

Are routes such as these so profitable with full F pax that the airlines can afford to hold off opening up any A bucket?