I think you answered your own question; AS may not suit your travel needs and having status on an airline you use as much as others, perhaps you should focus on those programs that fit your travel needs and then burn your AS miles. If you choose another program, you might be able to status match. I have been with AS for quite some time and there have been times in my life where I have been stationed at a place where I really could not us their services, however at that point Delta and AA where part of the partner programs that REALLY helped. I live in the PNW, I like direct flights (and AS goes to the places I want to go) and I am invested in the company (so yeah, I am a bit of a shill). Sounds like Southwest might be a better fit for where you live.