Originally Posted by
jordyn
The point of the bonus previously was to try to simulate cost-based behavior for big-spenders, so it was modeled on routes where premium cabins were likely to be fairly expensive. The idea here was that since Delta and United were potentially giving a ton of miles to people paying for expensive premium fares, AA didn't want them to shift business away so it gave more miles on routes that were likely to be attracting such fares.
Once AA shifted to a revenue-based model, they didn't need the bonus any more since big spenders were already getting rewarded with big miles, and as your own flight proves the previous bonus was a pretty blunt instrument that didn't always target the right people.
Simply put, the system has become more fair. Reward those who are loyal (and my definition of loyal is those that spend $ on the airline). Spend more $, receive more reward. I don't' understand why people whine about how they feel "slighted" when an unfair system becomes (finally) fair and promotes true loyalty. It was the same when UA and DL made the change.