My limited experience:
In May 2006 I tried to book 2 tickets from Toronto to Acapulco for any Friday to Friday, Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday for February 2007 in economy or biz class. I think I was being pretty flexible. (I am Elite, but that means nothing as far as reward availability.) I think this was before the introduction of Classic Plus flights, because there was absolutely NOTHING available, not even at some outrageous point level.
My brother who collects AA miles offered me the use of his account. I was able to find about 10 potential dates that would work for us in economy or biz class. We had to route through Chicago, but we flew in biz class for 60K miles and $90 taxes per person.
I've been collecting AA miles ever since! I never fly with them, and I have 110K miles in my account just from Dining Rewards and my TD AA Visa.