Its a game of the blind leading the blind. AA is following in the footsteps of the other legacy carriers. It amazes me that AA devoted flyers are always amazed at this. They have a poor business model. they made billions selling miles to credit card companies. We, the flyer, bought into accumulating miles hook line and sinker, more than the airlines ever imagined. Now that they realize that, they are redefining the terms of the game. So we all need to pivot and figure out what works best for us. For me, I use my miles to get tickets for kids. As always if it's important for me to ride up front, I am willing to pay for it. That allows me to look at these things and chuckle. AA will always have the last laugh. For those that leave to other carriers, they have their stink as well.