What I'm about to write is somewhat based on knowledge, and somewhat based on pure speculation so take it for what it's worth.

I haven't bothered to look at the block times of the flights listed but literally...if the flights with dinner are only a few minutes longer than the SNA flights you mentioned, it may be just long enough to push them into the "dinner" category.

Additionally, I am unfamiliar with the catering capabilities at SNA... it is possible that they are not equipped to cater the full dinner locally.

Just a couple of ideas. I'm sure some of the other folks will have more ideas to share as well.

The AA Food & Beverage Department was always kind of a mystery to me!