lon3volf Welcome to the forum
BA and Etihad are both AA partners.
Be careful about avois/miles expiry. Have you used your BA/EY Avois/miles?
Status/tier level is only by flying for most people. BIS - Butt in seat is the jargon here on FT. And AA status will not get you US domestic lounge access. Chicago/NYC 2-3 times a year and one round trip to Bangalore India and back will not get you that many miles or status earning