Earning ability?

Good. I'd say excellent except for the diffulty of earning AAdvantage miles for discounted fare classes on partner airlines.

Award choices?

Good. Again, could be excellent if they had partner upgrade awards.

Partnerships?

Average. Limited availability/visibility of partner awards + lack of partner upgrade awards.

Elite-level program?

Excellent (from a 98% domestic EXP's viewpoint). Provides real benefits at every level. Doesn't shove the existence of ConciergeKey down your throat like UA does with UGS. Mid-level elites could potentially do better in another program that gives them complimentary upgrades (if the routes/planes they fly make those upgrades available).

Rules & conditions?

Good. Complex, but does any comparable program have simpler rules? The complexity can also prevent the hoi polloi from taking full advantage of the program, which can certainly benefit those of us who take the time to understand them.

Customer service?

Good. Would have said excellent (as an EXP) if they hadn't put in the horrendous new IVR.

Website?

Excellent. Yes, there are some features we'd all like to see -- partner awards, more complex multi-city itineraries, etc., but let's not ignore the most important fact. The functionality that's there generally works.

What do you think are the plus features and minus features of the program?

Plus features: EXP desk, lifetime status, complimentary domestic upgrades for EXPs, VIPs.

Minus features: In-flight penalty for EXP (vs. PLT) when upgrade doesn't clear or when flying on Eagle, lack of lifetime EXP.