I understand OP’s concern. I too feel it is hard to be loyal to an airline that is on a path to downgrade their passenger experience (well at least in terms of cabin products—which is a big deal).
I just switched to AA from CX a while ago, and the recent MAX debacle made me reevaluate my decision. Take GA for example, who also just recently got their MAX—and another airline I fly often( no status though). Unlike AA, they didn’t try to cram more seats in, kept the bulkheads, upgraded their IFEs-not eliminate them. Looking back I always have thoughts if I’d be better off being loyal to GA
/SkyTeam, fly DL for US domestic and get status with them instead.