Within the last few weeks it seems AA has stripped every bit of value from Gold status. All "preferred" (not MCE) seats are $$ and you aren't allowed to request upgrades (so why even earn them?)
I emailed to complain and got a call back. Retention rep acknowledged both of those changes. Put me on a free Plat challenge with Plat status during the challenge... happy to take them up on it, pretty sure I'll meet it, and I will probably keep using AA during my Plat status. If/when I fall back to Gold again, it's time to start flying WN.
Gold gets a free checked bag? woohoo - that's the one "extra" on AA my company will pay for. At least on WN they'll cover early bird.

A lot of Plat and EXP might put their nose in the air at this, but I really feel that there is zero value to Gold now and find it kind of an insult. "You get what you pay for" sure... but I get more if I pay another airline.