I have been a lurker for the past few months and am now seeking advice from my fellow FTers.

I am looking to fly first class on CX possibly to HKG/HKT end of 2012 or 2013. Here is where I stand:

I have 80k MR from AMEX. I plan to fly CX this fall SFO to MLE (haven't booked tickets yet) and then SFO to HKG early next year.

Here are my questions:

BA requires 150k miles while CX requires 180k miles to HKG on First. Does it make sense to jump on the 50% BA mile bonus AMEX is offering right now?

For my CX flights (to MLE & HKG), will I be able to enter my BA FF# and have the miles posted to my BA FFP instead of CX FFP?

Given the current offer and my planned trips (MLE for sure, HKG maybe), I should be, if not over 150k points, very close to having 150k points. Is this the most economical way of achieving my First Class boarding pass on CX? Or are there other options?

SingaporeAir and Emirate both fly to MLE from SFO. But I don't think I can apply those miles towards my CX First Class boarding pass.

In case you are wondering why I want first class on CX:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-...st-suites.html

Thanks for your input!