The grass is always greener on the other side... until you've been there. Myself included.

UA and AA are different animals. Just browse AA's board right now and you'll see heavy negative comments from their top tier, while a few months ago it was the opposite.

However if you feel that AA might serve you better right now or in the near future, I also believe that you should go that way.

With all the heavy cuts and heavy fees AA is imposing without any notice I wonder for how long should one rely on receiving 8 VIPOWS on the first year - The difference, right now.

UA and AA used to offer them initially in the first year. Then UA in some countries or based on revenue would make an exception and still offer them. Don't know nowadays.

And... please... let's not go down the path that AA offers 8 and UA only offers 6 as AA upgrades up to 3 segments and UA upgrades whatever number.