It sounds like even though these are ticketed as CX flights (and NOT the AA codeshare) I will still get AA Gold by flying 18k in CX business. So the choice is basically:
1) Use AA - 27k (18k*1.5) - gets me AA Gold status
*Assumes they ignore 4 flights on AA metal AND give 1.5 EQP/Mi even though its not on AA
2) Use Asia Miles - get double miles promo and get 45k miles in the bank (18k*1.25(COS)*2(promo))

Is AA Gold worth the 18k difference? I'd probably have ~2 short haul flights on AA this year. Sounds like its not worth it and I should go for the Asia Miles promotion.

Thanks!