The AUS is part Dixie, part Long. Huey Longs ideas where a mix of socialism and fascism (Long faced criticism of political left and right alike), appealing to both the old Dixiecrats (state rights, southern pride, lower taxes) and the poor working class ('every man a king'). In a state of oilbarons and cattleranchers such ideas would have a lot less appeal
As for changing the ACW: I have worked on some Kaiserreich projects before. But the Kaiserreich-team has alot of changes in personnel, so their are almost none of the original designers left. The attitude towards old events like the ACW is to keep them like they are, just fixing bugs and adding flavour. You are welcome to suggest changes at the forum. Although forumactivity is currently quitte low, most people waiting for 'arsenal of democracy'.