There is a difference between finding the best airline and finding the best FF program. I'm Gulf Air silver, almost Gold, and really the only benefits I get are lounge access, nice check in area, but that is about it. The redemptions SUCK! But they have a nice schedule for me which is why I choose them. For my ME-ASIA flights I go Gulf. I also go Gulf if intra ME so to speak. The connections and proximity of Bahrain for me make that decision easy.

I like Emirates and Qatar a bunch but their schedule isn't great for me and they are definitely more expensive.