I have automated the process as follows and stopped caring beyond that. I limit most of my travels to one alliance (OW), program affiliation to one carrier (AA), and I have the AA credit card, so my status would be maximized automatically without worrying about it all the time. Beyond that, I do what is possible and most convenient in each case. For example, when I can afford to purchase a J ticket, I will do so; if WN or Iceland Air makes most sense for a particular trip, then that's who I will fly. However, lacking a special consideration, it is AA/OW. Pre-pandemic I used to end up as Executive Platinum; now it is Platinum Pro due to reduced travel as well as program changes.