"Maximize" can mean many things. If you're trying to accumulate as many HP miles as possible, I would get the Platinum HP/B of A Visa (credit card, not debit) -- at least for one year. You'll get a fat sign-up bonus (7500 miles) -- cheap for the annual fee, plus two miles for every $1 spent on HP tix. Used to also get two HP club passes.
To reiterate the (possibly) obvious, make sure you arrange your travel to retain your status. Silver is great to have on HP -- it's a much better airline when you're elite. If you fall short of miles or segments at year's end, try booking trips with extra (miles or segments).