Originally Posted by pandaperth

Flying AA discount economy and accruing to AA with no status you will earn 1 RDM (redeemable miles) per mile flown

Flying AA discount economy and accruing to QF with gold status you will earn 0.875 QFF points per mile flown (discount economy on AA earns 0.5 points per mile, and your Gold status gives you a 75% bonus on that – 0.5*1.75 = 0.875)

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Your QF Gold status will give you AAdmiral’s Club access, even when flying domestic US – something which AAdvantage status doesn’t give. I don't think you need to be accruing to QF in order to use your QF status to get into the lounge, but I'm not certain on this point.