From the threads you skimmed, you should have picked up that using Avios for longhual economy bookings is generally very poor value, as you have yourself worked out. They are much more value for using them on relatively expensive tickets within Europe (where the tax is capped), or longhual premium seats where the cash fare is very high.

35K Avios is actually not that many, and you'd be kidding yourself if you thought this amount would truly be worth a lot in "free" tickets. If I were you, i'd save them and try and build them up to be able to redeem something better (like Club ticket). If you don't want to earn/save more, spend them on American Airlines domestic flights, or use them to pay for hotels to reduce your balance.