I think I may post here and in the oneworld forum for advice! My first step into this game was with the Southwest Companion Pass, which has served me well, but will be up at the end of 2017. Since WN has no alliance, I haven't had to worry about it yet, but I want to make the best decision for the future. As an addition to the answers below - if I can bank miles to a program that would allow lifetime status at some point, I'd like to.

(1) What is your home airport? BOS, (PVD if it helps, but probably won't...)
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? Y, though I'd like to occasionally fly F or J as I start burning more miles.
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? Less than 25k, though with a bit of luck (and a lot of miles) will ramp up with any luck in the next few years!
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? No status, a handful of miles earned from flying on AA and UA (from an old Copa flight).
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? I'd like good award redemption and lounge access. I don't want to worry about miles expiring frequently, and any miles that can be renewed with a credit card are a plus in my book.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? No plans to fly anywhere in particular in the next few years, just try and see a new country or two each year.
(7) Preferred Airlines - so far, nothing.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Pleasure, if I did fly for work I'd get to choose the flights, but likely only Y fare.

Thanks!