Thank you guv1976!
Iberia seems quite good from what I see - the 7.500 points (7.500 EUR eligible spend, right?) seem better manageable for me than the 75.000 miles with AA (since I can book more expensive Y+ for example with no questions asked). Also domestic lounge access in the US is a valid point since I usually do have a good number domestic flights and enjoy the lounge access instead of waiting at the gate.
The April 1 to March qualifying year should work out as well since after the Jan/Feb/March trip the next international run will be end of April/May. I'll just have to plan the first trip of the year with *A then.