I am relatively new to the AA program, until last year I was crediting miles to BA Avios, but since they switched to revenue-based and I fly more often AA now, I decided to credit my 1W flights to AA. I flew last year one-way SFO-DOH-BLR with QR in J, fabulous experience. I got 24,700 loyalty points, while being a simple AA member. I then flew in December one-way BKK-DOH-DFW also QR in J, but on a AA ticket (QR ticket was 5600$, AA was 3200$). To my surprise, I got only 19.500 loyalty points, while making it to AA Gold with this flight.

I was told it's because of booking AA and the revenue-based earning system. Not happy about it, but nothing I can do about it. I have a return flight coming up SFO-SJO (J), which most likely will be AA return or AK one leg and AA the other. Is there a way to book and get 16,600 miles that I need to reach AA Platinum? My status resets March 1, no other flights until then. Is the Platinum status worth it? I usually fly international business class for work...

How many would I normally get for booking AA for this flight (say SFO-DFW-SJO, 6500 miles return)? What if I choose AK for both legs (the return is an awful red-eye, but will be in F on their 737)?

Thank you for helping an AA n00b navigate the AA program.