I agree with Jakebeth that the purchase of miles is likely not allowed.

From the AA perspective you cannot measure this only in flights flown. Given the limited frequency of your flights, I would stick with AA, particularly in view of the possibility of Aadvantage mileage accruals through credit cards and US domestic flights as well as double miles for elite status and other bonuses. This of course is a function of your individual lifestyle.

Your inability to travel through Europe may pass and then your options increase.

You may also want to verify for yourself how limited you truly are in getting EL AL tickets using AA miles by calling Aadvantage and inquiring about specific dates and award availability. While not scientific, it may help you. If not traveling in busy season you may find it is not so difficult to snag your ticket.

Although a busy time of year, I recently traveled for the Chanukah holiday on an AA award on EL AL.

It seems to me that a free ticket on EL AL just takes too long to acquire thorugh Matmid.