If AA move to a straight redemption value per mile, say 1AA Mile = $0.01then why would anyone use an AA credit card? I have a card that offers 2.65% (all purchases) to 5.25% (Travel and select categories) cash rebate.
Typically I see awards at around 1cent per mile value but the value to me is finding awards at 4-5 cents or more per mile value. I've got 8c per mile value on some last minute fares. If these value points disappear then the AA program becomes less valuable
Also this will have an impact on Bask Bank. Today at Bask miles are "purchased" by the consumer at 2 cents a mile (Tax implications excluded) So if AA set anything worse than this no one will keep a Bask bank miles account.