Just as an update... I decided on going with AA since they are doing the double elite status miles/points and triple miles bonus. Since I have at least 3 trips to Taipei and back before the end of the year, I should hit Exec Plat without any worry. This first trip alone will get me past Gold and the next trip will be Platinum. Plus I convinced the corporate travel agent to book me on a Full Fare economy class so I'm earning 1.5 elite status points!

Combine that with the AA miles I'm earning for the Citi cards and funding new savings accounts and the US mint goodness... I should hit 1mm within a year or two!

=D Cheers and thanks for all the help!

PS... since I will invariably have to take United once or twice, should I status match when I hit Exec Plat or is it not worth it?

About status match: It has been reported that this is a once in a lifetime event, so you may want to consider that carefully.