Just backtracking again - what class of travel is the rest of your normal travel? If in business then you will get lounge access when you fly anyway so status wont improve it that much. I would suggest AA really - sure a little slow for you to get status but once you get AA Platinum you get the 100% bonus on CX which you do not get on QF. The greater earn/burn ratio might outweigh status.

Also if you fly to the US and get top tier in AA you could use their eVIPs to upgrade into First.

Status is great if you can get it but I think on some levels getting status is only most useful if not flying in premium cabins already.

just my 2.2c