I have an upcoming trip where I have to fly almost exactly halfway around the world. I have multiple route options in both directions and since I will be trying to accumulate on star alliance partners, my mileage earning potential is pretty much a toss up.

My question: do you feel that there is a preferred direction to fly outbound, east or west, and why?

I'll be flying in J and I'm going to give my client, who's paying for the flight, the option of booking me a *A RTW business ticket. I'd be willing to take two short stopovers on the way home to try and save them some money.