To the OP.....very good writing.
EXP on AA 1996 thru 2003. YTD on AA at 2,560 miles. Holding about $1,000 in credit on SWA for unused tickets.
Long before the current BS, I was disgusted with this system and dropped out. The neat stuff that happened during the 90's is history and I'm glad to have partaken. Supporting today's air system in the USA is unamerican.