Looking to book 2 business or first tickets in early January with the primary destination Thailand. I'll likely need a combination or MR points and maybe apply for another card or two to boost my points (alternatively get an advance on some points). A nice option would be to stop over a few days in another city, but not necessary. The options I came up with were:
1) Transfer to Aeroplan now with an advance and try to book before prices go up
2) Transfer to CO and possibly apply for a CO card to fly through *A
3) Transfer to BA and apply for a BA card. Fly via (probably) CX
4) Transfer to ANA.
5) Apply for an AA card or two and either not use MR points or somehow combine with a transfer to BA to get the two tickets I need (if this is possible). This option isn't necessarily exclusive; I could apply for AA cards and opt for one of the other options anyway.

Any ideas on what might be the most efficient use of my points and afford me the best chance of availability?