+1 It would be nice if they were all consolidated at T gates. I have found AA staff to seem like they want you as a customer. I switched from DL at the end of last year because of the devaluation and the lack of upgrades (last one in 2013).

I matched to GLD and have been at 75% upgrades. I am a low value flyer so DL may be glad I am gone, but I have also pushed $10k worth of company travel towards AA that last year would have gone to DL. BusinessExtra seems on par with SkyBonus.

Big thing for me is that I endure the connections for now, as there is certainly a pain factor, but my family was going to lose their vacation if I stayed with DL. Yes, I rely on the loyalty program kickbacks to provide for an improved leisure experience. One that I could not afford without the points and miles. That is one more factor in my travel selection.