Resurrecting an old thread mainly to thank everyone again for spot on advice re AA, the lounges, and getting Tripit Pro. The latter was very useful on some tight connections and more accurate than on board announcements.
I found the food on AA (first class) to be reasonable but a terrible lack of variety and got the same meals on many flights. No change after Nov 18 as had been promised. On the plus side, their drinks service (other than wine), salads, nuts, appetisers (longer flights only) and cake/cookie deserts beat Qantas domestic business in my opinion. How they can deliver excellent fresh salads with interesting ingredients (pear, feta, cranberries, strawberries - not all at the same time though) but get the mains so average I'll never know.
The AC lounges were as predicted, always comfortable and nice bar service. The flagship lounge in Chicago was excellent. Nice food, phenomenal spirits range and exceptional staff.
Happy to answer more specifics if anyone wants to know. Travelled to Miami, New York, Boston, Chicago and DFW (transits) Houston Hobby, Phoenix, Vegas and LA.