My logic in choosing VX and then AS (in previous years) as a mid-tier traveler was that the real serious road warriors were on the big 3, so that MVPG would actually get you some benefits. My travel picked up for a while so I was 75K and frequently scored upgrades on AS. Since the AA partnership resumed I have never been upgraded on AA -- usually 20 people ahead of me so same logic (of heavy road warriors going to big 3) may prevail. My biggest concern with sticking with AS is the reduction in routes from SFO/SJC but I'm sticking with them for now.