So I'm pretty sure AA is the one to go for. I have to admit, they're not my favorite airline out of all the options in the US, and the Atlanta thing is still a pain in the a$$ but I feel like with the non-hub airport, there's always going to be one or two destinations that will require an alternate strategy (save driving three hours to Miami haha).
I don't know if I answered the question but I guess the biggest takeaway from a FFP would be status and upgrades. I generally don't have a problem with purchasing trips outright, I've just been around long enough now where I really think I deserve flying premium or business and above, especially over longer segments.
One question I do have. Does status help when you're traveling with your partner and child? I would assume the chances of upgrades are slimmer when you're looking for two potential seats rather than one?