OP here again, just to clarify some of the points raised above;

I will eventually be paying for flights again at some point in the future, but will be using my air miles wherever possible for now (sadly am a victim of the recession).

I have tried several times to fly BA TATL using my AS air miles but have been unable to as there are no BA flights to my location (JAX florida) and AS only allow the use of one partner airline (plus themselves) per destination.

With the benefit of hindsight I should have clearly opened an AA account originally as I would now be lifetime Plat, but as I only discovered this amazing website 2 days ago that is not something I knew back then.

OK guys, thanks for all the advice, it looks like I will be best to keep my AS miles and make the most of them.