If the objective of the mileage run is to make SE and also keep the cost low, then I would think that using UA to Asia is the best possible way to do so, put the points into your AC account and you'll still be getting those threshold bonuses at the same time.

jakpot: As Shareholder mentioned, it's really hard to make SE if you are a primary domestic flyer. However, as we discussed earlier in the year, it seems that the design of the Elite program seems sufficient for domestic flyers. However, it depends how much flying you have from now to July 10, you might want to consider paying the couple extra hundred dollars for J class now as you'll get 200% Q miles. Other than that, I don't think there's really any way to get more miles from those trips that you mentioned that you frequent.