I agree that STL is probably the worst hub airport in the system (erspecially when compared to LAX and redone DFW with the new terminal, though at times BOS might be as bad as STL), but I don't think its quite as bad as you make it out to be. I don't transit STL that often but I did a few times last month and I never had a problem finding an electronic screen to tell me where I was departing from. Also, the AC is actually pretty good and when I have been there has plenty of room in it, so I'm not sure what you're referring to with your comments about the smoking lounge.

In general, St. Louis is facing a mass exodous and economic decline so money to fix up the airport from municipal authorities is not exactly plentiful. Combine that with AA's own financial problems and cost-cutting and that's why there haven't been as many improvements.