If you leave the DL/CO/NW alliance and go to US/UA or AA, you might be able to get your status comped across at the same level or one level lower. That would give you status on whatever airline you started with on day 1.

A few months ago I sat next to a top DL who converted to US and was given top status in the US program. (Normally they would comp to middle tier, but he could document a lot of expensive fares so they knew he'd earn top status shortly anyway.)

And since no one has said it so far, welcome to FlyerTalk!

[This message has been edited by StSebastian (edited 09-27-2003).]