Thanks again for all the comments.

I had been thinking about the "alternate year" strategy as well. Unfortunately, although I used to do 150+ segments a year on business that has now stopped and all I am likely to do is couple of DONE3s and a few shortish hauls in Asia/Aus, so I'll have to do some mileage running around N America on the DONEs even to get one Emerald.

By the way, GB what is it that you do that entails so much running around? And do you need a bag carrier?

As I understand it, the AA J-F 40K upgrade is for any business class fare (I know the Y-J is full fare), but I would welcome confirmation from anyone who has done it on a D-fare. I fear it has to be on a simple RT ticket though, which is a shame since I would like to use it on two back to back DONEs.

I'll have a look at the Citibank situation, though my experience with the CX cobrand to date is pretty poor (not very responsive customer service, and trying to renege on the T&Cs for Bonus Points (= AsiaMiles)).