You should also consider the Amex membership rewards cards (these are not the Amex Aeroplan branded cards that you mentioned but the points can be transferred 1 to 1 to Aeroplan). They all have nice sign up bonuses to kick start your Aeroplan balance (use the FT referral links for extra bonus points), low income requirements and the platinum cards have good lounge access (not MLL, but Amex lounges, Plaza premium and Priority pass).