Ah...the trials and tibulations of airline travel. I fly very frequently for business, but I book my own tickets and am fare conscious. You asked some very open-ended questions so you will probably get a smattering of answers, but for what it is worth here is my two cents:
1. I like American. Everyone has their horror stories about one airline or another, but I have had good luck with them. They are professional with a nice on-time record.
2. The price you have is pretty good. You can always wait for a lower fare, but I am more apt to simply book it and know that it is done. Why run the risk of a higer fare or having to take 3 legs because you wanted to save a couple of bucks?
3. When you book the flight make certain to get a seat assignment. Unless you are late to the airport this will gaurantee you a seat even if the flight is oversold.
4. Although gas prices have gone down in the past week, analysts expect airline fuel costs to stay near record high levels for the foreseeable future so I don't think we are going to see many discounted fares.
I hope this helps. Have a magical time!