I do something similar in *A. I collect points in the bmi (BD) program even though most of my *A flying recently has been on UA. I get RCC access on domestic itineraries (which is not worth much) but really am doing it for the better value of the points and lower qualification thresholds.

Keep in mind that you will have to pay fuel surcharges on redemptions, which will lower the value of the points collected, but that can be offset with other benefits, depending on the program you end up in.

S.