Not sure if it is still the case, but for people who refuse to take AH you used to be able to fulfill the requirement by taking separate econ/hist/poli-sci courses. AH is the more economical route obviously if you can grind it out.
FWIW I heard the horror stories about the class but it ended up being a top 3 BYU class for me, not to mention opening up the door to a major and career I would not have otherwise considered.