Newbie to international travel question!

I won't have Silver status on United until late December. I don't travel enough / loyal enough to get Gold status in 2017.

I'm looking to fly LAX to Bangkok via Air China which is in the Star Alliance business class. I'll probably fly American to get from Nashville to LAX and then United back home since the outbound in non-stop.

I can't book it through the United website. Any option through their website is 50% more expensive.

Does it matter whether or not I wait until late December when I have Silver status to book the flight through Expedia or wherever? I THINK that I'll get the miles, PQM, PQS but not the PQD.

I'm using my Chase Reserved card. I don't have a United card if that makes a difference.

Any help appreciated!

Justin