A good number of veterans have many level 80 toons so the "80 AA points" is not as huge as it sounds (for vets). If you have advanced through the AAs, 80 points will give you the opportunity to fill in the last point in 2-4 of the 5 point feats (which usually amounts to 1% increase in whatever stat).
This will benefit new subscribers (new to game or new to premium) rather than veterans. It still is a welcome addition since it is an incentive to buy subscription rather than imposing limits.