Thanks for the reply Star Gold.

Yes, I was considering AC, but then it would change my flying habits to incorporate Canada . Also they don't do *A upgrades, nor do BD.. TG give a gold return flight upgrade. BD give 4 upgrades. Perhaps I am expecting too much. It's just that I thought it would be more worthwhile joining a program that I actually fly with. Or might want to fly with. For some reason, I have a perception that being a member of an airline's program is better than a member of that airline's alliance, when flying with that airline. Hopefully, I don't come across as ungrateful, as *G has great benefits.