I feel like the OP's question is rhetorical.

I've had AA send me and my bags in different directions. Seat reassignments make me wonder why I didn't just fly Southwest instead, with no expectation of where I would sit.

As long as you and your bags eventually get to the intended destination, the airline has fulfilled its obligation. Maybe they will compensate you, maybe not. Depends on how much effort/luck you have in it.

Sometimes putting up a fuss at the gate gets you something of value at the time, but IMHO it is not a long-term strategy to hope things will ever change in favor of the customer.