I agree... long time flyer is not the same as loyal or valuable. If you fly MIA-RDU a few times a year, AA is really not that dependent on you.

AA just changed a flight for me and the wife that would have cost $700 each and they waived the fees. The representative said it was because of status (and her wanting to help). Things like that make me like AA and I will be more loyal and dedicated to AA and as a result be more valuable to them because I fly them almost exclusively.

I don't think AA is sticking it to long time flyers at all...