I think this is a good move. For a few years before I was any sort of elite status or had a AA credit card, it felt a bit ridiculous to board in Group 8 (every time) despite being a member who still spent~ 2K and 5 trips a year on AA (nearly all of my travel). That was before BE too, so like dead last -- people without a boarding group on their pass were told to board in a group above mine too (can't remember what that was, group 7?)! Surely people that maintain an Aadvantage account deserve the small courtesy of not boarding last.