[AADFW]

Unfortunately, you will find that American's policy with respect to schedule changes isn't all that different from other major US carriers. Here's the specific language from their Conditions of Carriage, which is the contract you enter into with American when you purchase one of their tickets:

"American will endeavor to carry you and your baggage with reasonable dispatch, but times shown in timetables or elsewhere are not guaranteed and form no part of this contract. American may, without notice, substitute alternate carriers or aircraft and, if necessary, may alter or omit stopping places shown on the ticket. Schedules are subject to change without notice. American is not responsible for or liable for failure to make connections, or to operate any flight according to schedule, or for a change to the schedule of any flight. Under no circumstances shall American be liable for any special, incidental or consequential damages arising from the foregoing."

So, like it or not, this is what you agreed to when you purchased your ticket. The lesson to be learned here is that schedules do change, and that there is definitely a point of diminishing benefit to the consumer when it comes to advance purchase. You'll almost never come out on top buying an airline ticket six or seven months ahead of time. If you book 21 to 42 days out, the chances of a schedule change will be greatly diminished -- and you'll probably pay considerably less, too.