They probably didn't want to be more than a few minutes from a viable airport, and certainly not over the Rockies, and also, wanted to land where there are lots of AA spare parts. Compensation? I have no idea. I find it odd that the plane didn't go over the pacific to rid itself of some fuel. He arrived 7 hours late. I think being captive on that plane for all that time has more "value" than the 7 hours late.