I'm flying Alitalia from FCO-LHR, connecting with AA onwards to JFK in Janurary. After reading these posts I'm getting a bit nervous as we only have a two hour connection at LHR.

My questions:
1. since these tickets were purchased at AA.com, is AA obligated to accommodate us if we fail to make the connection because of Alitalia, or are we just SOL? I would think that since American allowed a two hour connect to be ticketed, they have some responsibility in the matter.
2. concerning checked baggage. Will I have to pick it up following the Alitalia flight and re-check it when checking in for the AA flight in LHR?
3. From some comments in this post it seems that Alitalia doesn't always provide jetway service at LHR. For this flight (FCO-LHR) will we have to deplane onto the tarmac and board a bus at LHR?
4. Finally, the AA website shows that only drink service will be offered on this flight. Is this correct, or will there be a more substantial offering.

Thanks,
FlyerBeek