I think AF has improved a lot in this area (except for the strike part) -- I was on a very late flight from LHR in CDG a few weeks back where most of the passengers were connecting. AF had many agents at the gate, holding up signs with connecting flight destinations. They tried to expidite getting everyone to their plane. When it was too late, they seemed to bend over backward to try to help people make the best connection possible.

I elected to wait until the next day. They paid for a hotel room & three meals (three good meals -- this was France, after all).

I would have rather taken my original flight, but I think they handled the situation as well as they could have.

This differs from some past experiences I've had with them. I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt for now, and credit them with an effort to improve.

I'm flying them again this week, so I'll see if this was a fluke or a new pattern.