Of course this does serve to highlight the fact that Skyteam always has been (and probably always will be) the weakest and least glamorous of the three main alliances.

Oneworld attracts the premium 'flag carrying' airlines (hence why JAL stays), Star Alliance gives the best coverage for the greatest percent of the world's population, and Skyteam is a bit of an embarrassing rag bag of the worst of the regions where it has representation. Delta is a laughing stock (just read the Delta FT forum), AirFrance/KLM/Alitalia are definitely 'second tier' and as for the rest - Aeroflot, KAL, Aeromexico, Czech....need I say more. I rejoiced the day Continental were released from 'the team' and joined a proper alliance. Well done to JAL and long may Oneworld continue to flourish!