With your flying pattern, I would consider joining CX's program. You have 2 options that way: 1. Join the Asia Miles program, which is CX's mileage program that allows you to earn miles towards rewards, or 2. Join CX's Marco Polo Club, which is their Elite program recognized by oneworld. By joining MPC, you're automatically enrolled in Asia Miles as well. So you can earn miles to spend as well as miles to advance your tier if you are a member of the MPC.

Your pattern is similar to my own; I fly to Hong Kong from JFK about 4-5 times/year. It's ideal for me to use the CX program not only because it's my main route, but within the US, if I fly AA, MOST fare-classes still earn Asia Miles. If you were an AAdvantage member flying economy to Asia on CX, you'd have to buy the top 3 highest fare classes on CX to earn any AAdvantage miles. Another perk is that with my CX Gold card (oneworld Sapphire), I get lounge access even on AA domestic routes when not even their First Class customers get access unless they are AC members.

Downside: The earn/burn ratio in Asia Miles is pretty poor. There are no bonus miles aside from class of service and the occasional promotion. But the benefits of MPC within Asia are great.

There is more, but that's called the membership guidebook . Hope that helps.