Originally Posted by
GoSh4rks
He might even be global services by January.
This, I think, is the key. Upgrades ex-SFO are difficult to get. Even if OP were to eschew the nonstop (and the lie flat seats) and fly SFO-IAD-BOS or SFO-ORD-BOS or something, there's a good chance none of the legs would clear regularly until reaching GS.
Even as GS, it can be tough to clear instruments ex-SFO, but at least it's possible. OP: what days of the week will you be flying? You're going to have a much better chance at success on off-peak days.
I don't know the spend requirement for GS in SFO, but it's tough to imagine that 12x SFO-HKG in J would fall terribly short of it.