Pelican,
I share your pain....
Two suggestions:
I find Google Flight search engine is accurate and will link you to the airline's booking site for the itinerary that was searched. [www.google.com/flights]
Better yet, use the AA.com search engine to find the flights using the pay with cash or miles options.

As to your use of Advantage Miles for a flight award, if you have an AA sponsored credit card, you will receive a 10% rebate for flights using AAdvantage Miles. Unfortunately, you must first put up the base Miles required for the flight award.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-...DirectURL&title=reducedmileageawards I hope this helps.