I used to be big in the game around 2009-2011 (was EXP, and 1k for a year) but have been out for a long time due to non-travel work/school. I'm now starting a new 2 year program that will have a lot of international travel coming up and looking to determine what the best FFP might be! I am much less familiar with all the new requirements with revenue based programs these, so I'm seeking advice from this board.

Most of my travel will be paid international economy fares (low fares), and mostly between NYC or Boston (mostly Boston) and India -- so there is a long list of possible carriers I could take -- as well as a small handful of cross-USA flights (~2-3 year)

Of note: I am lifetime Gold on AA, but am not tied to AA. I have considered leveraging a status match and/or moving to one of the Middle East carriers given superior quality of economy, though I'm not sure which one.

1. What is most important to you in a frequent flyer program (FFP)?
upgrades, priority services, baggage allowance, good award redemption rates, better award access, lounge access, etc.

>>> Reply: Given that I'm flying economy, I'm seeking priority services then lounge access then award redemption rates. Have a pretty big mile stash that I can redeem for my fun travel. Trying to ease the pain of economy work travel.

2. How many miles do you usually fly each year? How many flights/sectors?

>>> Reply: The remainder of 2017 I'll probably fly 20-25k. 2018 I'll likely fly 45-60k miles.

3. What fare class do you usually buy?
first, business, premium economy, economy
>>> Reply: economy

4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
>>> Reply: I usually am required to book among the cheapest economy fares, but does not always have to be the absolute cheapest. I can typically pick carrier if fares are within a few hundred. Travel mostly for work, some for pleasure. Wiling to take a few end of year MRs as needed.

5. Which routes do you fly most often?
transatlantic, domestic USA, intra-Asia, etc.
>>> Reply:
NYC/BOS - India
NYC/Bos - west coast USA

6. What is your home airport?
>>> Reply: Mostly BOS, some NYC.

7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
>>> Reply:
Lifetime AA Gold, >400k miles banked
UA ~200k miles
BA ~200k miles
AS ~75k miles
Chase ~200k points
Amex ~50k points
SPG ~100k points

8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
>>> Reply:
Open to suggestions

Thinking my options are
1) stick with AA, build on that, and fly BA or QR as available to India -- (or consider other OW program?)
2) Jump to *A program (UA, or consider other possible programs to accrue to). Many good European connections to where I need to travel. Consider status match? AC?
3) Consider Emirates? I can often choose to fly emirates. I just don't love how few partners they have. Consider status match?

Thank you!

Surgee