The problem is that you frame your question in terms of elite status, which is a waste of time unless you know the specific benefits you are receiving on the specific routes you typically take.

If you care about redeemable miles, credit cards, etc. then you should stop worrying so much about which airline you are flying and start looking at frequent flyer programmes that match what you want to actually do for reward flights!

i.e. you can fly United all you want, but if you credit to a different *A programme you might find it easier to earn status and will get far more bang for your buck in terms of the value of miles earned.