I think that Parker just doesn't necessarily value innovation, which trickles down throughout the corporate HQ. He's very much a believer in people fly based on price and convenience alone, so no need to spend on marketing or outside the box thinking unless it is proven to have a guaranteed return. He knows where he has to spend money to stay competitive, but doesn't necessarily want to spend the money to be industry leading. Most of the great things about American (Flagship lounges, First Dining, new Trans-con product) were put in motion prior to the merger. There hasn't been much of anything exciting or new since the merger and I doubt there won't really be with Doug at the wheel.