Last Month
 

On my visit CX lounge was empty and AC was teeming with people, literally you had to wait for a seat. AC was far from gate and I was sorry I went out there. This was prior to the one ORD-CDG flight, but they were also calling flights for another airline (EIHAD?), so they have rented AC out to at least one other airline.

Silly Question?
 

Isn't CX lounge restricted to those traveling on CX that day unless you have a subscription?

No - it's oneworld, so anyone with oneworld status (includes AA Plat, EXP) travelling that day on a ow flight can access the lounge.

There is no access available by "subscription".