First, I applaud bedelman for stating up front that it was his own complaint. Context always adds to a fuller understanding of any situation. For me, the issue is simple. Either AA has complied with DOT regulations in this regard or it hasn't. It doesn't matter whether anyone was actually injured or theoretically could be injured (economically or otherwise). The regulations are what they are. Airlines demand/require compliance with the regulations as they apply to us pax; and, similarly, we are entitled to demand/expect/require compliance with the regulations as they apply to the airlines.