I'm also a MVP Gold and have logged a LOT of miles on AS. This incident was definitely the exception to the rule. I have been more impressed with AS than any other airline, by far. Their service and reliability have "almost" always been top notch. (You're right, everyone does have a bad day, and the rough landing was definitely an isolated incident).

I'm in the process of moving my "loyalty" to NW for some practical travel reasons, and it truly feels like I'm being unfaithful to my family.

I'm curious though, how is it that you are MVP Gold and yet "new to the airline"?