I would not write off AA just yet.

Gold status would give you free, MCE seats at check-in, free same-day standby on a different flight, and no close-in award-booking fee. The fact that AA does not offer direct or nonstop service on the BOS-AUS route is actually a plus for you if you're trying to achieve status by segments: you'll get at least four segments for a BOS-AUS roundtrip.

Does your employer's travel policy really restrict you to Economy Class on a TPAC trip? If so, and if you do not want to fly CX in Economy, I would look at other oneworld options to HKG, if the Economy Class seating is any better. Maybe JL via TYO? Maybe AA via DFW or LAX? It would certainly make for a longer trip than the nonstop, but you might actually prefer to break up such a long trip. Plus, you'd get additional segments.