I suspect perhaps the original point has some validity with United for the somewhat illogical reasons stated. In the case of American (and by extension One-World), I doubt if the same reasoning applies. My wife and I each have a lot of AA miles with the majority earned without flying and each have lifetime platinum status. During the past five years we've never failed to obtain a "saver" award when we wanted. The Aadvantage staff is allways most helpful, professional and goes out of their way to accomodate our requests. Never has the source of our miles been even hinted at.