If you do an AA Plat challenge (OW Sapphire) before the end of the year you'll have status through 2/09; 100% bonus miles (on most, not all OW partners and on AS) and lounge access everywhere but in the US. AA burn rates are much better than QF's. If you're desperate for the AC you can buy a discounted membership as a Plat.

Getting CX status might take awhile; however you can use Asiamiles to upgrade on AA and BA metal as well as CX, also one way award redemptions. Best to review Asiamiles before committing however.

"Free" AA upgrades come (as a Plat) with 500-mile "stickers" (they aren't) that you earn through flying - 4 per 10K BIS miles, although you can buy more at $30 each or so. As Plat you can confirm as early as 72 hrs before flights if there's availability. SWUs (called eVIPs) only come with top tier (EXP) status. Stickers are no good on longhaul international services.