Thanks both. I looked into BA earlier this year, but I also need 4 flights to inside gold and one of the trips will need to be Hkg-LHR-JFK on BA metal. I don't mind CX just because of the time savings of the direct flight but MP sucks. I guess AA is still the best option (now that you can earn gifts once you his certain eqm targets) and when I stop needing to fly frequently then just fly without status.