there's really no excuse for poor service (except for nasty behavior on the passenger's part)...

i'm 34... been flying for 10 years... last few have been almost exclusively in business... and can't say i've ever experienced "age discrimination"... but can you define "casual attire"

i have seen TAs and GAs be "less" courteous to biz/first class travelers who are "under-dressed" for the cabin. personally, i just think it's true for everything... you show up to starbucks, a restaurant or a clothing store, looking like something the cat dragged in... you're going to be treated less.

if memory serves... there's a couple other threads on here (or the AA forum) about this exact topic...