Originally Posted by Thunderroad
I know more about UA than AA, but if the miles you stand to accrue this year fall short of 100,000 AA might be a better bet because, if I understand it's system correctly you also can reach EP by virtue of reaching 100,000 points and you get extra points (something like 1.25 or 1.5 per mile flown) for flying business class.
On United you now also get the 150% bonus for buying a biz class ticket (or even a full-fare economy). Those miles count towards elite status, so 4 biz class trips would easily net you 60k elite qualifying miles.
Earning miles on UA
The rest of your post I agree re SQ and CX, those are also interesting aspects. Also, US Airways helps the Star Alliance now in terms of Carribean destinations.