Let me start by saying that I don't begrudge anyone for taking advantage of the buy-up offer, or the challenges, or fast track or anything...
But I do find it very frustrating that AA is now following the US model of allowing anybody to buy whatever status that they want - and then in the exact same week completely devalues that same status.
Obviously it is a great business move on their part - get people to pay for something with only illusory value.
But it is still frustrating to think that I put effort into flying exclusively OW in order to have status with AA -- which they clearly do not care about or appreciate or value in the least -- and then they allow anybody to buy that same status... and then reduce the benefits because there are too many elites...
sorry for the rant!