I joined SWA a couple years ago and live within an hour to DFW. Did thorough research on both (even during my time at SWA) and ultimately decided this is the better place for me. I think AA is a good airline and know many who work there. When comparing things like trip construction, schedules, vacation bidding, trip trading/ELITT, and how much flying we can pick up, I just found myself getting more control over my schedule here than at AA. The benefits at AA were WB flying, earlier upgrade, less flying per day, and the ability to sit reserve and get called less than at SWA. I care more about staying in the same time zone (ish), control over what days I go to work, and less days working per month (I don't count 18 day reserve as less work personally, but I see the appeal).

I found many at AA didn't really know what the pros were at SWA and just thought we were a single fleet airline that "works a lot" and nothing else, so I'm not surprised you don't know anyone who wishes they were at SWA. I know people at both and many chose to go to SWA in the Dallas area including those who live closer to DFW than DAL. My goal had always been to work at AA and I knew practically nothing about SWA, but the more I learned about what I truly wanted during my time at the regionals the more it made sense to come here and stay. That does not mean SWA is for everyone and/or is better than AA, just that it could be a better fit for some.

In my opinion, once you're passed the 5 year mark at any major you shouldn't be wishing you were anywhere else unless you're within driving distance to another airline and you're permanently commuting to yours.

OP you'd have a tough decision make if you were within driving distance to both. But long term commuting to one makes the other a much more appealing option without any other details needed.