We cannot fathom their rationale.
I certainly can.
The company simply wants to have the FD crew actually
earn their salary, instead of sitting at home, like a bond holder clipping coupons.
Having done long haul flying for a very long time, dozing for dollars is not all that wonderful (all things considered) but all of my long haul flying is single crew (12 hour max limitation) with no rest facilities.
The modous operande for these flights is to actually get some rest beforehand, not puttering around at the slip station, as many crews do.
Then, these crews cry...we are not rested...I say oh boo hoo
, climb down off your high horses and get real.
Enroute rest facilities are generally quite adequate from what I've seen, so no sympathy from me about these.
AA management are right on target, IMO.