Sorry I did not awnser this sooner. I was busy earning my executive platimum on AA The plat /exec plat status has big rewards, which I started with the challenge. I would not bank on upgrades on a RTW ticket. If you can, challenge for platinum and you get double miles after that first flight. I did the challenge for my kids (flying AA) and they where only able to get gold status due the class flown. They received full air miles on an AA code share, but diminished elite qualifying miles. I'd have paid for a higher fare if I'd known as access to the biz class lounge when flying coach is great.

Yes, partner airlines are often terrible on giving miles in a any sale fare coach class. Many as low as 25%. The web site always gives you the cheapest fare, which may not be the best for the FF status. For 100 bucks I want my miles and more importantly my elite status. The upgrades to biz class are worth it.