I agree that this is a mileage problem, not a status problem. to these ends, I can far more easily understand AA deciding to limit the # of miles earned by c/c use per year (even for elites or SPG transfers) than i can envision them constructing software to eliminate LT elite miles that are non-BIS.

For that matter, given the scenario presented, I can even see AA deciding to limit the # of miles one could REDEEM per year if this is such a problem (although I doubt it is, as the ffp is supposedly independently profitable...) Is it just me, or doesn't there just seem to be so many easier solutions than to remove LT elite which seems to be of zero cost to AA (at least zero cost separate from the redemption of c/c miles for big $ F tix in the first place, which of course is irrelevant to LT elite) other than the fantastically unlikely possibility that BIS-elites are grumbling....

don't forget: we're talking about a reasonable amt of $ here to change the software, plus conceivably a moderate amt of bad will (from the small % of AA fliers who know about LT perks), and for what gain?

Better to take the carrots out of the salad and call it a day.