Here is the situation.

I need to fly from SEA-DEN, but all the directs are on AS metal. I don't want to spend an extra 3+ hours to connect somewhere like PHX or LAX.

I am AA CK and will likely book non-refundable first (P), since I dont think either way I get upgraded. Which I find odd since AS elites get UPGs on AA Metal.

Do I get my benefits if I book AS directly or only if I book it as an AA codeshare flight?
Which would be better from an EQD/EQM perspective?

If there is a wiki on this I apologize but the front page of this forum is littered with Wiki's and stickys and I didn't see anything related to AS.