That is exactly what I would have suggested you do. You'll likely get your status matched to AB Gold, which comes with a nice set of benefits.
Alternatively, and only when you are sure to travel to the US at least once per year to satisfy their minimum segments on AA metal requirement, you could also go with AA - AAdvantage currently is the most generous program out there fitting your travel pattern.

However, long-term, re-qualification for OW Sapphire will not be possible with only one or two longhaul trips a year, the more so when that trip isn't flown in a premium cabin.
Mid-tier oneworld sapphire status (which comes with lounge access..) usually requires the equivalent of 50,000 miles of annual BIS flying. Sadly, oneworld does not have an equivalent to A3s program among its members.