I have personally not had any issues recently (with 2 bags checked at least twice a week), other than 2 check in agents who refused check in because the cutoff was "1 hour'.
AA did break my mothers suitcase last week, however.
IAH still continues to be a complete and utter cluster. From check in to baggage delivery to TSA to horrible lounges to food service, it is, IMO, amongst the worst in the country. If AA launched more service to HOU, I'd never set foot there again.