Thank you all very much for your help! I guess for my personal travels (which tend to be more international), US/*A is of much more value. Between the confused CSRs, the ANA search engine and the general ease with which I am able to continue getting great mileage deals, I think starting to build up mileage with AA/OW, just doesn't have enough value.
I use my SPG Amex and was thinking about transferring points to AA (on top of some AA bonuses I could pile up), but the fact of the matter is I am getting too good of a deal with US. Just in the last few months they've practically been giving away miles, and thanks to my father being silver preferred, that "share miles" promo was great! Considering I don't see these promos slowing down and I don't see any end to the great *A award redemptions, it's hard for me to switch over.
As far as the hotels go... I guess I'm just amazed at how Dan has managed top-tier status at (at least) two of the major chains. My focus has been on the airlines - can anyone help to fill me in on the significant advantages to (for example) SPG platinum? And while we're at it, what are the "tricks of the trade" to achieving it quickly/cheaply?
THANK YOU ALL FOR THE GREAT HELP!!!