For me, I've diverted most of my trail spending to other, less well funded trails - CDT, NCT, Northwest Trail, etc.
The AT had a leg up on all the other trails in the way that Congress authorized them, they are basically complete with a protected corridor, plus they get more and bigger charitable donations from corporations and individuals due to their being so well known. Other trails are still struggling to protect their existing corridors and actually build tread, with the disadvantage of having less money. I have seen much of the ATC money funneled into school educational programs, high power fundraising, protecting "viewshed", etc. Things that may have a purpose, but are not actually trail building and maintenance. While other trails are struggling to exist, ATC is branching out into other areas. I prefer my money to go to actual trail building.