Originally Posted by
Stripe
I think the point here (perhaps) is that in the past the AAdvantage program would have tipped someone like the OP to stick with AA, despite his changed travel patterns.
The dilution of frequent flier benefits, and lower F TODs, are customer friendly: we are free to choose our airline on a transactional basis. For the OP BOS-SFO can be a nonstop on VX/DL/UA/B6 instead of a connection on AA. Combine this with a credit card like CSR or Amex Plat that provides access to a variety of lounges, and we are all better off.