Chasing flying privileges from Singapore - which airline is best?

As an Aussie expat living in Singapore I have been trying to work out how to hack my way to more flying privileges. Here is my question: I currently have SQ gold but recently made the switch to crediting to United Milage Plus. The reason being I work for a US company and so make at least one long-haul flight there a year. Also as United is Star Alliance I can fly SQ for regional work trips and credit UA. I was sold by a colleague on UA because they pointed out once you get to Gold you get the same lounge access and luggage benefits plus once you are 1K you get 6 free sector upgrades. You also get automatic access to premium economy once you hit Silver. Pretty sweet deal I thought. However I didn't realise you had to fly on UA tin to qualify for the next tier. So I need to go to US, Hongkers or Tokyo to start accelerating my points. However, now I beginning to wonder if i made a mistake and should have directed all my points to Virgin Australia which has an alliance with SQ. My thinking being I could then still fly Delta or Ethiad to the US - both of which are probably nicer than UA (with the added bonus of being able to better use the points on return to Oz. Does anyone have any experience of using Virgin points for other airlines? How hard or costly is it to book awards? Anyone have an opinion on my strategy?

I would say that UA is probably better than VA, so long as you're able to stomach a few UA flights.

UA provides better global benifits as Watson states, fly their metal is the challenge.

Correct me if I'm wrong but if you shoot for UA *G you may not get lounge access when on a domestic UA ticket within the US unless it's attached to an onwards international flight.  If you keep SQ *G it won't be a problem

I'd think that the OP doesn't have much cause to fly UA, given getting on their metal ex-SIN seems to be a bit of a sticking point. Saxon?

Hi bmc, I believe you are right but given I will mainly be flying Singapore to San Fran, I am not that fussed on *G lounge access. Deal breaker for me is the leg-room.

Hi bmc, I believe you are right but given I will mainly be flying Singapore to San Fran, I am not that fussed on *G lounge access. Deal breaker for me is the leg-room.

Hi bmc, I believe you are right but given I will mainly be flying Singapore to San Fran, I am not that fussed on *G lounge access. Deal breaker for me is the leg-room.

Hi bmc, I believe you are right but given I will mainly be flying Singapore to San Fran, I am not that fussed on *G lounge access. Deal breaker for me is the leg-room.