Thanks kindly for your dense-with-goodies reply! I hadn't even thought about the equipment in this research, but it sounds like I would have in retrospect - I'll see about catching more A330's. There's so much more to learn and pay attention to!

The one trick I had in my newbie head was the thought I could travel MSP-IAH-CDG as with the Texas detour there'd be those extra 1400 miles each way-I less than love that airport after some of my international arrivals, but at least its not LAX. I had no idea Detroit would be slicker. Again, thanks.

You have me looking up ft acronyms, this is good!
And I've figured out AF & KLM share one ff program. Do y'all the Flyertalk guru-types recommend mileage accrual on US-based over foreign programs? I know they're in the same clubs between the three 'teams', but it'll be a couple years before my miles go that high (unless, it seems, I learn thow to churn..).

I remain grateful for this and any further related advice anyone cares to share..
e111