hehe wow thank you everyone for your wonderful help and feedback :P what a raging debate.

i'd like to clarify a few things hehe.

- I currently have Miles & More Silver (expires Feb 2010) but I've had issues redeeming points and also the Silver perks are not great for the routes that I fly.
- I have redeemed points before but not on Lufthansa, I only redeem points usually for use on other Star Alliance carriers
- At present I only ever fly Economy Class

Maybe this info above will help It looks like UA, OZ and TK are looking good. I am concerned with SQ because on their website it says you must make Silver (25,000) and then a further 50,000 for Gold (=75,000?).

Another question I have... if I become a Gold *A member and therefore can access lounges, if I am travelling with a guest who is not a Gold member, can I invite them to the lounge with me?

Thanks everyone for your amazing help! You have no idea how happy and appreciative I am to you all

Daniel.