I thought about doing the same thing-booking and then canceling if a good ap discount or code doesn't come out. But the problem the poster may have is the problem I have-I have to book air soon because coming from the NJ/NY area, it is tough to get a good rate on air and availability. The longer you wait on air the more you pay too and the airlines don't let you cancel, you get a voucher for future travel.
Well, we can pray for discounts.