Just yesterday I decided to finally bite the bullet and put in my request for a status match to CO. Being YYZ based, the *A network is a good thing for me. I was pleasantly surprised with 2 key points in the 2010 announcement:

-Full Elite Qualification is back. Effective Oct. 27, you’ll earn 100% Elite Qualification Miles and full Elite Qualification Points on discounted fares, regardless of where they’re purchased. To all of our loyal corporate travelers: message received
(This is HUGE for me as most of my fares are through corporate travel agents and I was worried about re-qualifying)

-OnePass Platinum and Gold = Star Alliance Gold. This is old news for many of you, but nonetheless, it’s an important Elite benefit improvement. Effective Oct. 27, OnePass Platinum and Gold Elite members will be entitled to Star Alliance Gold privileges with Continental and our 24 Star Alliance member carriers.
(Another huge bonus, which for a international traveller such as myself means a lot - especially lounges!)