Originally Posted by
silonic
[b] Ironically enough, although happy to be corrected, I’ve subsequently read that my Silver card status wouldn’t have got me into the lounge anyway – it was only that I was flying F that I managed to get in.
Actually, it was your silver status that got you in. Domestic F pax do not have access to lounges with AA (and most other US airlines). And even AA elites do not get access as long as they are on domestic itins. That's how US airlines can sell memberships to these clubs. Now, why people actually pay annual fees to spend times in these clubs, that's a whole different discussion.