Better to manage your multi program strategy more holistically than just quickly requalifying for EXP and then turning to other programs. Each has nuances around fare classes and how much each flight segment is worth towards requalification (ie tier points vs Q miles/points.) For instance, a domestic transcon in 2 class YUP is worth more on some other airlines than AA- so if you have any of those earlier in the year perhaps they would be better used in the other airlines program. Conversely, I find my leisure travel (cheaper coach fares on AA metal so upgradable) is usually best posted to AA- but this travel is typically weighted to the latter half of the year. Of course YMMV but that is what I have found.