I have a lot of issues with AA, but this isnt legit, IMO. This thread is like posting unhappily that the earlier flight costs 200 bucks more than the later one (and that's usually true, especially on T, F evenings. The consultant shuttle costs a fortune while the earlier and much later flights are cheaper).
Now, AA making their SDFC policy super restrictive compared to everyone else.... I'll happily join in on that