Hi folks - I fly to EDI a couple of times a year from SNA, typically SNA-ATL or JFK-LGW-EDI and back the same way on Delta. I'm switching to AA and got to thinking why not go from LAX and come back the other way? i.e. make it a RTW or OWE ticket via Asia or Australia so I can max the qualifying miles. My questions;

1) Is this feasable using AA ( I understand BA flights don't count toward miles)

2) What would be the best routing to come back the "quickest" way whilst maxing miles(as I wouldn't have a lot of time to stop off and explore as much as I would love to do so) Would it be something like LAX-LHR-EDI-SIN-LAX? Although EDI-SIN-LAX looks like an awfully long haul without a break

3) As I have no status on AA (asked for a comp from DL PM but haven't heard yet) I would probably buy a business ticket, does anyone have experience of AA's versus DL's business cabin, if AA's is inferior - is there a significant difference in price to buy a first class ticket (I also understand you can't get/buy upgrades on international flights)

4) What would the aprox qualifying mileage be on AA for such a trip?

5) I've read a lot of the old threads re maxing miles and it seems the three continent OWE ticket may be my best bet - yes, no?

Thanks for your help