I have less problem with the new rule per se than the way they changed the previous rule (much more generous and been there for years) without notice. Not unlike how people feel about unannounced devaluations.

To be clear I have been flying with AA every year in the recent few years. And because of that, I never had to reactivate the expired miles for redemptions. So it seemed better to wait until I actually had to use them instead of reactivating and hoarding. Oh well..