I was definitely leaning towards the EVA flight.

You're right - getting status on AA won't change that I'll be flying United all next year.

Really just wanted to see if I could get the best possible experience on this trip for the lowest cost.

Not interested in the 60k + $1200 upgrade on United.

Heard good things about EVA air - just don't want to sit in regular economy with my shiny United platinum status :-)