Palladium catalyzed Carbonylation coulpling may be an alternative.

Polyphosphoric acid can work well for reaction of carboxylic acids (especially benzoic acid derivatives) with simple aromatics bearing electron donors.

Advantages:  Cheap; no inorganic precipitates to deal with during work-up. Disadvantages:  Viscous reaction mass requiring good agitation; care needed during drown-out or dilution to control exotherm and obtain good physical form.

Thanks for your useful suggestions...