I'll be departing AMS on QR and it looks like they use the F Gates. It seems I have a choice of Aspire or BA Lounges (OWS travelling in J) so my questions are 1) which provides easier access to F Gates and 2) which is better for food, drink and a smoking area?

Any other hints or tips also appreciated.

On my return I'll be departing with easyjet with a long transit. It's been a couple of years, but I recall dropping off my bags in a locker, passing through security and using a lounge before returning to my bags via an arrivals route, picking them up and checking in with U2. No lounge access after that. Is that still possible/practical?