Hey folks...

First, some background:

Home Airport: Toronto or Buffalo
FF Program: 7k miles into UA, tons of non-status Aeroplan miles. Working on getting status this year with my new job.
What I want: Lounge access and nicer seats on the plane. Don't care too much about redeeming the miles.
Average miles flown - I'd say with the new gig, I'm doing MOSTLY North American flights, and mostly on the East Coast. If I'm flying in the USA I fly out of Buffalo, and in Canada it's out of Toronto.

I'm with United MP because I prepaid for a year of Economy Plus seating and Lounge Access. I'm 6'4" tall, so I wanted the legroom, and the opportunity to work before I get on the flight.

Here's my question - I'm looking at a LHR / DUS/ SIN business trip in a few months. About 20k miles total. I can go from Heathrow to Singapore via Virgin Atlantic, but it's operated by Singapore Airlines. I know if I fly Singapore I get status miles... and that's important to me.

Do I get UA status miles on Singapore metal, even though it's a Virgin Atlantic Flight? Or would I do better to shell out an extra $400 for the entire trip and fly straight through a "Singapore Airlines" connection?

Also - anyone have thoughts as to whether or not I should continue with UA, or would I do better to toss the 7k miles I've earned so far and focus on accruing Aeroplan miles to get to *G status quicker?

(Damn me and my long legs...)