Fare question
 

So I see a fare 10 months out that says it is $380 with fare code O on all legs, which is the lowest fare category for main cabin on AA. Does that mean this is the cheapest it will ever be in the next 10 months for main cabin? Or is it possible that AA may lower the price for O fares on that route?

No one can predict this. Fares could go lower -- or higher -- depending on demand. However, if the fare does drop, you can always cancel and rebook it, getting a credit for any residual.

No.
Yes.

1. Ok, got it. So you can have an O fare for $380, two months later another O fare for $250, and 3 months later another O fare for $200, all for the exact same flight/ date/ time, correct?

2. They are just filling new fare bases basically for the same flights all the time, right?

Yes. Or, the O fare could be $380 today, $480 tomorrow, and $500 3 months later. Other O fares could also have different restrictions that might not even make an O fare an option for your desired itinerary.

And to add, there could be a higher fare bucket above B,N,Q,O,S become available like G or V that is less than $380.

I think the main point of the various replies is that, if you see a fare you think is reasonable, book it. Then, monitor to see if it drops. Now that change fees are gone for domestic trips, I don't see much benefit to waiting unless if you're still iffy about the trip altogether.

That really depends on how much you fly AA.

There are generally NO incentives for airlines to file cheap fares 10 months ahead. Anyone needing to buy tickets far out usually has inflexible schedule...airlines know this, so why add cheap fare filings when they can sell at higher fares now.

I mean if you are willing to loan airlines $ with no interest...
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The other option then is to wait to book and potentially pay more later on. It's a gamble either way. For me, I've never had a credit sitting more than about 60 days, so it makes sense. If one rarely flies AA, then waiting might make more sense.

Another point to note when purchasing tickets this far out, there is a good chance of flight/schedule changes. Make sure that your travel plan is flexible to accept flight changes.

Sure there are. Airlines like to get (and keep) your money.
This isn't necessarily true. Leisure travel booked far in advance often has flexibility and airlines offer cheap fares far in advance often (but of course, sometimes they don't too).
Flight changes can be a plus or a minus. And don't just think you have to "accept" them.