I travel coach 12 times a year from Manchester England (MAN) to Panama (PTY) usually via Newark. I get Platinum by mid year and get upgraded to nearly always from Newark to Panama. I can travel any day of the week and by any route and do not mind stopovers. I would love to get transatlantic upgrades without using airmiles and co-pay. I have had this twice in 3 years when coach was full with continental but here other airlines do it more often.

The questions are.

1. Could I get a better deal from another airline?
2. Should I try to use 2 different airlines and get elite status on both?
3. Are there other routes that would get me a better deal?

All help greatly appreciated.