I do remember when AC changed the polocy regarding outside food. It was after 9/11 when AA stopped serving complimetary meals in domestic main cabin, least I remember that was one of the reasons given for the change of the policy at AC. Never bothered me before or after the policy change. Other people having outside food at AC never bothered me, I do not think ever noticed, come to think of it when somebody else eating at AC never occured to me to check if that person is eating the club offered food or having outside food.

I do remember discussion here on FT when the policy changed. I think some thought after the policy change there going to be an open picnic at AC because of people bringing food from outside and having a party at AC. But that never happened, leaset never saw anything resembling of that when I was at AC after all these years.