Hey thanks! I didn't know AA was doing a Premium economy now. That might be a good idea, and they might even status match me from UA, but it looks like it is only NRT-LAX at this point, and I do a lot more SFO/ORD so I'm most likely to stick w/ Star Alliance.
I've been in Japan 10 years, and who knows how long, but yes could be a long time (I am a permanent resident).