Look here
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/onewo...help-here.html
Has links to AA challenge wiki & threads and similar AA/QF/BA ffp threads
AA now does not have soft landing. So if you do not requalify for Plat you go the lowest status.
AA has far better earn/burn compared to QF & BA.
QF has high award $$ surcharges. Some BA awards have surcharges
BA is good for short awards like in USA