Thanks for the advice. I am leaning towards sticking with Alaska Airlines mile plan unless someone has a reason for me not to. Another thing I should mention in terms of my "goal".

I am not so much looking for the best service upgrades (food and a good TV and whatnot)I am looking for the most room. I get a bit claustrophobic on planes which sucks because I love to travel. I have noticed that I have much less anxiety when there is more room when I travel first class or super whatever its called or exit rows not feeling so "trapped". So although the first class perks are nice, its not that much nicer for me then a seat near the exit row that gives me more "breathing" room - Not sure that makes a difference in peoples advice but my goal is space.