I have had a few expiring SWUs that I've been trying to find homes for. A friend's son was traveling to Dublin from DFW. He had a short connection flight to get to DFW. As usual (I've done this many times over the years I've been EXP), I emphasized that I didn't want the SWU applied to the short leg unless the TATL leg cleared. Agent acknowledged. However, and I'm sure it was an honest error, she, or the system, did clear an hour long flight when the TATL remained unavailable. I called and the EXP desk but the agent said they could do nothing about it as the leg was flown and that I might try customer service. I bet you can see where I'm going with this; the circuitous menus recommended I call the status desk, and, of course, no human was involved. Does anyone have similar experience or advice of how I can get a favorable resolution. I have another Flyertalk friend who has confirmable upgrade space and I'd love to see it re~awarded.
As an aside, I think I'm done selecting SWUs should I continue to pursue status. It may cost $350 and miles, but upgrading that way for a flight you book just because you can have an aspirational trip at least results in an upgrade or your miles and money are still in their respective accounts.

Call AAdvantage Customer Service (not EXP Reservations). If you need to escalate, email [email protected].

And if this doesn't work, contact Customer Relations.

I'm also debating this - likely will take the miles for all my choices. With the new LP program and the various earning options, it's no longer a hard choice of using miles/sacrificing earnings vs buying. I've been using a lot more award flights now