Ahhhh, makes perfect logical sense.
I re-did it, this time specifying the connections that I know are common to AVL (either EWR, CLT, ATL, or ORD) in addition to LAX, and it worked. Didn't find and hidden city specials but at least it worked and I have a better understanding of the codes thanks to you.
I will keep looking but I am doubtful UA, DL, or US will ever have fares out of AVL to
beyond LAX that are less than just terminating at LAX. Tantalizing in other markets tho