My experience in an Oz airline is the travel benefits were so so, I would use it very infrequently. It’s a whole different ball game living in a hub for the largest airline in the world. My family often has a weekend in Paris, or beer in Munich, weekend in Caribbean, day in NYC or DC, etc. it is very very worthwhile to us.
I agree it worth different amounts to different people, but for travel junkies AA is unbeatable. We have rampers working part time for very low wages only to access the travel benefits and I can see why they do that.
Each to their own and I respect your point of view. Cheers Ralphi