I have been EXP for many consecutive years, and hit 4MM this year.

I love the system AA has. It's so much better than UA. I like that AA first sorts priority by program class. Fare paid/class IMO should not be the primary consideration - I'd hate to have a PLT upgrade ahead of me just because PLT is Y and I'm Q or V.

I also like that within each class, (for example, all EXPs on list) time of check in is the first critera, not fare class/paid. This gives me control, I can check in online earlier than others, if I'm so motivated. This process basically gives one "priority" on the list over others that don't know or don't choose to check in online early enough The only scenario where this doesn't work is where I'm originating and others are connecting, thus their 24 hour check-in window starts earlier than mine.