Happy preferred result for me today (P1) looking to go to ATL in September, my preferred route MEL-DFW(-ATL).
Asked VIP Team for J reward sea in mid September:
for MEL-DFW rejected by bot, MEL-SYD-DFW (rejected by bot on two days, approved on an earlier day than desired). I also had the option of MEL-SYD-LAX(F) being released (to then figure out getting to ATL, but this was my least preferred option).
Anyway having got approval for MEL-SYD-DFW (it was showing I2, while MEL-DFW nonstop D9I0) I decided to roll the dice and go for a manual review on the nonstop. The reason being the earlier (well hopefully!) scheduled arrival into DFW thus giving better options onward to ATL to not arrive super late.
5 hours later I noticed my booking had gone from "On Request" to confirmed. Amazing. So yes, they approved MEL-DFW on the date I wanted. VIP were then able to quickly add on AA DFW-ATL (in Y alas, but it's a short flight so no biggie) with a nice 2:45 connection and protection of same booking if things go belly up.
Really happy result. Ticket issued, points deduced and everything within around 30 minutes. Easily sorted by good agents with a minimum of fuss.
Happy camper.