PS upgrades are only available with miles of RPUs, not as CPUs unlike on AA's Flagship transcons where ExecPlats can still get space-available comp upgrades into one of 20 J seats/pods. (Or use eVIPs if there's no paid overseas travel planned.) As OP doesn't drink alcohol, s/he would still benefit on AA as an ExecPlat if s/he doesn't get an upgrade by comp items from the BoB menu, including full salads and sandwiches.

As for NYC-YYZ flights, not sure how many OP is likely to take but there is the option of flying WestJet from LGA (RDMs to AA though not EQMs) or take Porter to the city centre YTZ from EWR. Porter has its own FF program, so if under the new system OP can earn enough AA EQMs from SFO transcons and other flights for status, s/he can consider this alternative.

Agree the 45-minute flight between NYC-YYZ/YTZ doesn't matter much for flying J or coach if on either UA's or AA's ERJs you get the A-side exit row, though if taking AC and being a UA elite, no access to its preferred seats and depending upon fare paid, only partial mileage. (Hadn't realized the issue of early and late flights to/from YYZ with AA.)

Assume OP has GlobalEntry/NEXUS/TSAPreCheck. The drawback with Porter at EWR is it doesn't yet participate in PreCheck. WestJet now does.