Wow, so confusing. Thanks for helping me understand the complexities.

You'd think that if bmi sells me the ticket as a codeshare, I should be able to get the miles with either carrier. Kind of a bait-and-switch otherwise, no?

Anyway, I suppose three legs are better than none...

Next related question: I've never flown any of these airlines (bmi, Air New Zealand or Virgin Atlantic). Are their business class offerings all decent and competetive? Good seats, laptop power ports, etc.? (or is this material for a different forum?)