I periodically fly into BKK or SIN and as a plat, I like to use the miles + copay option so that I can sit in business over the pacific and also earn EQM's. This has always meant going either PHX-LAX-NRT-BKK or PHX-DFW-NRT-BKK. While NRT makes for a nice mileage addition, it's a pretty exhausting trip, plus no upgrade on the NRT-BKK legs which means 7 hours in JAL's tiny tiny little coach seats.

Is there a better way to do this? Search options always bring Cathay LAX-HKG into play, but no chance for miles + copay there and word is Y in CX is terrible. So I was wondering about the feasibility of going AA to PVG or PEK? Looks like it gets me a little closer to SE Asia than NRT, but what are the options after I get there? How are the chances of getting the upgrades vs. NRT?

Anything out of the box that I may not be considering?