I am guessing you are based in the US with cali in your handle and the fact your are thinking if of a YUP/KUP fare.

Benefit of Gold if you regularly fly AA is the use of AA Admiral's Club lounges where they exist. Thats free booze without arguing for drinks coupons.
You can still book AA with your AA FF program; just enter the lounge with you BAEC Gold card.

You can also access a BA Terraces lounge if there is one at the airport even if you do not fly BA.

I would definitely do a short trip on AA in F (2 x F) to get the TPs you need.