Since an Award Ticket doesn't earn miles, I choose Star partners over UA since I find the service to be superior and that's what I want (I don't sleep, so Suites vs. Seats is not a big decision issue for me).

I'm trying out ANA's new First service JFK-NRT instead of taking UA direct from SEA. Nice thing is I will earn a bunch of the miles I would be losing and after logging 4-5 hours in 15B on the 762, I am sure that will improve my appreciation of ANA's product will be that much more.