I read the article in Google News.

BOS is not the only place in AA's network that has seen reductions. SFO, STL, SJC, BNA, RDU and now SJU have all experienced significant cuts.

Now, it's not the fault of these markets that this happened. It's not that these cities aren't "good enough". AA is in the business to make money. And they feel that they will make the most money by focusing on only 5 hubs (cornerstones: LAX, DFW, ORD, MIA, JFK/LGA). The cities that AA has reduced non-hub flying to are still well served by other airlines.

For everyone else, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. You can still connect. In fact, one benefit with domestic upgrades is that connecting passengers trump originating passengers within your status group.

Also, just because there are cuts doesn't mean that these markets are no longer important to AA. Imagine of AA decided to cut off BOS completely. I bet many AA frequent flyers will be very angry. BOS is still a major destination for AA. After all, people at the hubs still need to fly to the spokes. Thus, the AC club is safe. However, AA might let some of the extra gates go.

Remember, business models change. The 5 cornerstone strategy may end one day. If AA thinks they can make money outside these hubs, they will focus on those cities. And if AA feels BOS holds promise in the future, AA will expand.

However, for now, it seems that we will be sticking to the 5 hubs. But the BOS AC will remain open. And AA still "cares" about their passengers who fly outside their hubs. That's why they allow them to trump originating passengers for domestic upgrades within elite status group.