I'll be travelling LAX-EDI (can also go SNA/ORD/MAN-EDI if I need to) in Nov, thinking that to maximize points/mileage I should consider buying a round the world ticket and come back to the US via DEL/HKG/PVG or something along those lines. I have a couple of questions:

1) If I purchase a business class ticket will I get the 1.5 EQP's as an AA EXP on all the segments? My goal on this trip would be to maximize EQP's (qualifying points) rather than QM's (qualifying miles)

2) Is it possible to go LAX-LHR-EDI (or SNA/ORD/MAN/EDI) -LHR-DEL or HKG or <wherever> LAX (or ORD-SNA)?

3) If so, where can I plan an itinerary as I can't seem to plan RTW's or anything like this itinerary on AA'a site?

4) I'll be staying for two days in EDI but on everything else probably won't leave the airport unless there is a particularly long layover/connection. Will I be considered "in transit" or do I have to go through customs at each stop (other than LHR on the way out, of course) i,e, will I need to get a visa for DEL/HGK/PVG or whichever country I go through on the way back to the states

Thanks a lot for any assistance