From 2002 until 2008 I never filed an AA complaint. I was really worried they'd keep track of people who did and my only writing compliments would be rewarded. Plus I figured when I finally did complain I'd get something out of it. So when in 2008 I had a flight canceled due to a mechanical (we actually took off then diverted back to the originating airport) and I was put in a middle seat as a Platinum while people without any FF # on Y tickets were put in First, I complained. They sent me 4 stickers and a generic apology

After that I figured I'd complain when it suited me so earlier this year I wrote in about a non-reclining seat.