Yes, prior to last month, all miles earned counted toward Lifetime status, and they aren't going to take them away after they changed the rules to only allow BIS miles for Million Mile status.
With PLT status and the 100 EQM bonus, someone who is PLT for 10 years should be able to make it to 1MM. (50K EQMs normally getting 100K RDM)

A lot of my EXP qualifying involved a bunch of flights were I got quadruple RDM (triple miles bonus, plus the normal 100 percent PLT bonus). With that, getting my 2nd million was quite easy. Unfortunately AA cut my main route from SJC-SNA, and other SJC flights, so I will no longer be EXP after Feb 29.

While you earned a bunch of AA miles in your lifetime, AA doesn't consider you to be a "loyal" frequent flyer. To dothis requires either a challenge completion, earning CURRENT elite status the normal way, or being a lifetime elite. AA also has seating benefits those willing to pay more.
I would like to have A=stauts on WN, but don't. I don't have BA elite status, so I can't use One World lounges on North American itineraries. If I fly another carrier, I might get crappy seats. I don't like it, but if airlines didn't offer stuff for their frequent fliers, it would cost them business. I fly AA more often than other carriers BECAUSE of the benefits.