I think the issue is how far Skywards has fallen relative to how good it was. I've always maintained that EK needed a superior FFP given it's lack of alliances and limited redemption opportunities - especially to folks outside Dubai who have tons of choices.

I HAVE been disappointed by how hard it's been to redeem miles in advance this year even after having been a Gold member for 8 years in a row. The lack of additional award/upgrade inventory for the top tier elites (unlike 1K for example) is a real problem and so my current plan vis-a-vis EK is to use all remaining miles for J to F upgrades (on day of flight since they won't let me book it in advance!) and then to bid Skywards adieu. It was good while it lasted.

The combination of United/Continental/LH works really well together as a 1K/SEN - unlimited domestic upgrades within the US, one stop to India from SAN via EWR, much better timings to India on LH/CO than with EK (which reaches/leaves in the middle of the night), SWU's redeemable on LH, great coverage of Latin America with CO, and mileage accrual towards status (and status benefits) on practically every flight I take anywhere in the world.

I have enough flying this year that I'll still make EK Gold (2 RT from US West Coast to India in J), but this is likely my last year. It really hurts to let go after 9 years in a row (including this one) as Gold...but all good things come to an end