Dear daumueller, one more question:

obviously, I am trying to optimize mileage earned here (or at least understand whats doable). If 2 transfers in North America are permitted, as well as 2 transfers in Europe, would the following routing be permissible:

SFO>BOS>LAX>MUC>ZRH>STR>ZRH>MUC>LAX>BOS>SFO ?

Or is there a maximum mileage restriction in this fare? (The Lufthansa agent on the phone told me there was no MPM, but I trust your judgement and understanding of fares a lot more than his ).

The routing above would earn almost 70,000 status miles (as SEN) if I'm doing the Math right.

For $3500, this would be a great deal, I think.

Thanks for your help!