Are frequent flyer programs good deals? - WIVB

I have always felt american airlines has the best frequent flyer program.I have been able to get the dates I wanted and unlike usairways which charges a processing fee from $25.00 to $50.00 to redeem miles,AA is free.They cover the caribbean like nobody else and have a good domestic route system and good hubs.United was not able to give me the dates I wanted going 3 days back and 3 days ahead and yet for the same dates AA was able to find seats.These are the 3 that I have used.Now all my business is with AA,and the citi bank aadvantage card. :D