Of the Big Six airline boards here, I also sense the same thing. There are gripes and groans about all of the programs - and all programs have their big fans - but I think AA has done two things to separate itself from some of the others:

(1) They deliver passable customer service to low elites (on phone, at airport, during irregular ops, etc.). IMHO, as an AA Gold, I'd give 'em a C in this category. I have been low-elite on all of the rest except CO, and I would grade the other four at D or F. United would get an F- if that is possible.

(2) Of course AA likes full-fare customers, but they don't hate discount-Y travelers the way some of the other airlines do. You still get respectful treatment, you still have a chance at an upgrade, you still earn full miles, etc. AA does go out of their way to recognize full-Y folks (free upgrades, etc.), but they don't do it in a nasty way towards the others.