Similar issues for me. I don't love planes enough to want to spend anymore time in them than necessary, but on the other hand I want to maximize my points and status but keep partner happy that its not just a trip to watch in flight movies. Here's my compromise.

I have done things like:
CNS-SYD-HKG rather than CNS-HKG (5+ more hours at the start of the trip but its a written off day anyway and a reasonable chance of an F upgrade)
SIN-HKG-LHR rather than SIN-LHR (the trade offs are using the HKG Cathay lounge and a reasonable chance of an F upgrade on Cathay)
LAX-SFO-SYD rather than LAX-SYD
dog legging across North America but with a maximum of 2 legs a day using AA flights with just F rather than J and F (or equivalents?) where possible

Mine's a DONE4 via QF but manage a few extra points and status credits this way.