If it is revenue based, will it help that 90% of my flights will be booked only a few days out? I imagine they will cost more, which would then earn status faster? I'm going to be able to select my own flights, and while they prefer layovers if it makes a major difference in cost I will be able to choose at the time. It does sound like AA is my best bet from PHL so I'll plan on using them as a standard.

@JMGPhila; thanks for the info on the GE stuff. I'm expecting an update on my interview within the next few days. Once I switch positions I'll have a few days off and see if I can just go and do a walk in.