I will have a decision to make next year as well and it wont be easy since I moved up north to YVR.

AA EXP is the best status available on US Carriers. The eVIP's are very generous and the domestic upgrades clear with an excellent success rate.
We'll see where this goes next year with nearly half of 2009 counting double for EQM Right now AA still bends over backwards for their EXPs.

However: Over at UA, it seems like every shephard and his dog are 1K. By now your overall treatment is marginal at it's best and my experience on UA this year was not pretty. The 1K Hotline became very snotty, lets not talk about ground staff.

I got a Status Match to NW Platinum, the treatment was ok but the programm sucks. Now with DL involved... again, let's not go there !

Take the trip to HKG on AA to NRT in F and CX from there ! ^

Whilst the gf in another city can be good for your travel habits, I have to agree with Colin. Bin it ! If not, at least consider one thing: YOU are the one with the black cards and YOU decide which airline will be flown on vacation, business or even a stupid leg to PHL for a cheesesteak. If your gf prefers to stick with UA or whatever... let her ride in Y without lounge etc and meet up at the destination. Been there - done that - never again !

Cheers,
S.