As I posted on the other threads (AA & In the News) on this, I think there's less to AA's improvement than meets the eye.. United is giving 5-6" more to some passemgers (and fortunately "some" includes me as a 1k). AA is giving 2" to all passengers. They claim 3+", but I fail to see how a 6% reduction in seats can translate to a 10% increase in pitch.

So full fare and frequent flyers (mostly business travel, perhaps at reduced fares but not super-cheap) will gravitate to United and Mr. & Mrs. Once-a-year (flight - what were you thinking )will go to American.

But if United doesn't get on the stick and publicize this difference, they'll lose anyway.