Have you looked into flying out of BUR or LGB or even ONT? if you are not flying business, BUR-JFK might be the best option. Both flights are going to be on A321s next year and most likely with A321NEO and the new IFE + pantry. There is no lounge, but it's a lot easier flying out of these local airports vs LAX.

for me, lounge access really depends on how crowded it is and what the rest of the airport is like. AA's flagship lounge in JFK is good for much of the day, because it doesn't get that crowded. I heard DL sky club gets really crowded in T4. I think B6 with the new combined terminal at JFK should get at least a couple of lounges you can get in with priority pass.