I'm not sure we're operating on the same definition of free agency. What I mean is that for any individual trip, I buy the ticket that (1) is non-stop or has the fewest stops and (2) offers me the most value for my money, including buying up to Y+. I don't "go" to any program.

Being DCA based, it means I still end up flying AA quite a bit since they offer me the most non-stops. But I'll just as happily take DL or AS and typically prefer the destination's flag carrier out of IAD on international trips.