Having just flown on Continental from Newark to Delhi roundtrip (awful awful economy seat) -- I have been baptised in the way of the way of the frequent flyer. The first class seats on that flight were 10% full, I joke not. And the only way I could get an upgrade from Economy (paid for on continental.com) was pay $4,500, I believe EACH WAY. I offered $1,000 and $2,000 and Continental rep wouldn't take my money. I was shocked shocked -- as I joke not, maybe 1/4 seats in 1st were occupied on both legs.

But I was told as an Elite I would have been upgradable.

So now, with the goal of becoming a savvy traveler at the beginning, optimized in one shot, what is the best strategy for me to become a savvy loyalty guy? Which airline do I want to give me business to because they 1) have good product and 2) have good upgrade ability (I have seen people complain about CO here). Should I switch my personal card? Or upgrade my corporate card?

About me:
1) Frequent business traveler (once or twice per month) between NY/Chicago
2) My firm had the AirPass program for American, but that is ending this month
3) 175,000 points on Amex Gold Preferreds card (charge 75k annually)
4) 15k miles each on American (my current NY/Chi carrier) and 15K on CAL (from international trip to Delhi)
6) Recreational travel to international (~2 a year) + vegas (1/yr) and LA/SF (1/yr)
7) Have historically purchased most of my rec tickets via Kayak.com service...

--> do I want to get the Amex Platinum?
--> should I transfer my Amex miles to CO and start flying CO?
--> should I just focus on AA? And switch card to AA friendly card?
--> Amex partners with Delta Skymiles.. but I dunno
--> Is there another credit card I should be using instead of Amex
(I'm not beholden to them.. the Gold services are neglible in my opinion)


MANY MANY THANKS FOR ANY ADVICE!! ^ ^