I have to disagree with you guys on this one. There is really no issue here. Let's look at some facts:

1. AA is still offering first class service (at least AA's version of it )

2. Your dissatisfaction with the switch is based on your perception of which of the 2 configurations has a better seat. Did you ever consider that maybe some other passegers may not agree with your view on this? or just a simple fact that many don't care! (not everybody is a FT junkies like us ) Their decision of purchasing/upgrading to first class is NOT based on the configuration. Yours may be, but that's the breaks.

and finally,

3. Condition of Carriage - read it and it will explain AA's right to switch equipment at any time for any reason. (again, go back to reason 2, don't assume that everybody agrees with you on the seat choice).

So maybe I'm missing something here but "what's the issue here?"