My suggestion to everyone who does not like the AAdvantage program is to explore your other options. I do not mean this in a facetious manner, but am rather serious. If as a Plat on DL or UA you find that you have a better experience, then why even be concerned with what AA is doing? Yes, perhaps the DM program was historically generous, but even had US remained separate from AA (as most of us on both sides of the issue wish) I can with much certainty say that would have not remained the case much longer.

Having sat on the Delta side of the table, I despise that airline and would be more than happy to never fly it again. Having said that, I'm sure it has some value for certain types of customers, just not whatever type I fit into. I cannot speak much for United because I don't have a wealth of experience with them. I've flown UA a few times in first over the past few years and have found them to be marginal at best, but as always YMMV.

My suggestion would be to patronize the smaller carriers such as B6, VX, and AS assuming they work with your travel needs. I have found that the VX transcon F product fits my needs far better than what is offered by anyone else outside the JFK-West Coast market and as a result have planned to use them more frequently for such trips.

The days of sitting in F on a complimentary basis or with little expenditure are rapidly coming to an end. This is true at all three remaining major US airlines. It is now all about finding the airline which is willing to provide the most acceptable product at an acceptable price.

The only way to effectively express your discontent with the current offering is to move your business elsewhere. For me this means I will likely only be GLD at AA next year. Honestly the main thing keeping me with AA right now is the fact that their hubs house or are going to house the most Centurion lounges in the near future with MIA opening in the next few months.