I hope somebody can assist - consider it a challenge to those who truely know their mileage programs!

In October I will be travelling from San Francisco to India (Delhi and Mumbai). When I leave SF in mid October, Continental (with whom I am a Platinum Member) they will be in SkyTeam. When I return to Europe around the 23rd Oct they will still be in Sky Team, but when i fly back to San Francisco from Europe (Oct 31st) they will be in the Star Alliance!!! 8-(

I am looking for an efficient business class routing that will maximize my mileage on good carriers whilst still securing a decent price. Any thoughts on good options and routings that would maimise those miles. The European in's and out's don't matter (London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam could all be considered)

Also does anybody know if Virgin (not in Skyteam but a mileage partner of CO right now) will remain as such once CO exits Skyteam for Star? Right now I think information wise I'm caught between the two programs when it comes to planning this trip.

Thanks for your tips

Mike