Being as we're forced to not use our AOL name (and I always resisted changing earlier because of this issue) can we merge into an existing Apple ID? I have one that I've used for iCloud and find my phone so I'd prefer to not have to create another one.
No, you will have to create a new account by following the prompts on your account, you can'e merge accounts
The change you need to make to your AOL User Name Apple ID is not creating another Apple ID. It is changing the AOL User Name Apple ID to an email address. So, net-net, you won't have any more Apple IDs than you do now (an "AOL" one, and the one you use for iCloud and Find My iPhone). You will need an email to use for that AOL account, but you are only changing the "name" on the Apple ID.
Cheers,
GB
Can you merge into an existing Apple ID?
