Originally Posted by
dadamax
So both earning rdm and maintaining status with AA seems like the better option at this stage.
Yeah but you're giving up access to AA flagship lounges at JFK and soon to be at ORD, MIA, LAX, DFW, etc etc.
CX GO on domestic US flights have access to those lounges regardless of cabin travelled while AA OWS/OWE don't. So keep that in mind.
As everyone's travel pattern is different i suggest do the following:
1) determine whether you can attain/retain OWS equivalent status in either FFP.
2) determine the difference in miles that you would get w/ AA vs. AM. In terms of spending the miles, generally speaking, these days AA and AM require somewhat similar miles (unless you have specific redemption in mind in which case you should include that in your calculation).
3) determine which is worth more
to you - additional miles w/ AA vs. access to flagship lounges when flying US domestic on AA metal.