I disagree. American is a private enterprise and has the right to establish "rules". Doesn't need to be another damned law. If you don't to comply with the company's rules they can refuse service. Quit trying to be an apologist for this woman.
I flew the -200 (C-12)when I was in the Army in the late '70's. Sweet, sweet flying airplane and very capable. The only downside I remember was trying to climb to a mid-level FL .with the engine ice vanes activated. Climb performance was not very impressive ;-) other than that I can't think of anything I didn't like about the C-12. Loved that airplane. Also flew the U-21 and U-21F. Good, dependable, rugged airplanes.
My pet peeve is people in the back who put their carry on into the forward bins so they can grab them on the way off. Talk about slowing down getting off the plane. People towards the front have to to the back and people in the back want to get to the front. How inconsiderate and selfish can you get???
