We have been following AA direct flights to SXM from PHL. Rates have been pretty good but we don't usually book our Dec/Jan vacation until July or August. Your experience has convinced us that it's likely better for us to wait as in the past. Booking this early and then getting the bad changes you described is a double insult. They have your money for most of the year and then deliver poor service. I know all airlines are in business to make $ but seems to me that AA has gone too far on this one.