I agree with SanDiego 1K that one has fewer worries when flying in the front of the bus. Paid, though discount, premium fares gets better service from the ground staff (IMO) than those flying on an upgraded ticket. Plus the miles are between 50-60K miles times 1.5 which gets one very close to EXP the easy way. In the QF FFP one can earn oneworld emerald for 2 years with one ticket, if you like/use the QF FFP.

And for me, the AA RTW desk is super. Depending upon the situation, better than the EXP desk. For complex questions, I have a favorite agent that will handle my queries without a sweat and who I can request if I want to do so. Now, I must admit that the business class OWE are better value for AA, while the first class OWE are probably better in other airlines' FFP.

Check PresRDC's posts in the AA forum, Exec Plat with personal travel only? on how to do it with little time off from work.