In the past, American has offered elite status to people within 1,000 miles of either Gold or Platinum. No gaurantee, but I would wager it is worth it if you don't care that much about being elite.

If you want to go for it you should be able to get a RT ticket for around $100 plus taxes if you don't care where you're going. I'm based in Miami now and there are at least three places here I could fly for about $100, and not all of them are close, so look farther than SoCal (also sign up for the California bonus if it is still offered). And being near SFO you also should check into OAK and/or SJC, depending where you live (on any airline that will get you AA miles).

I would say it is worth it, just to not have to worry about having a place to store your carry-on luggage. Then the 500-mile upgrades are a nice perk.

Good luck!