Re: Continental/United merger. You are right. THat's why i've shifted all my travel for 2011 (including my staff, clients etc) to Delta. I'm so tired of the rules changing from airport to airport and the over-marketing (An "invite" for the One Pass MC placed on my food tray in first class? Really tacky), that's it's not worth it.
I'm sure most of the folks here know if you have a good FF history, other airlines will match your status.
We'll see how it works out , but Continental have really pushed it and alienated this 3 year Platinum international traveler.

As I write this sitting in the Denver airport...The two check in clerks at the United "Red Carpet" club couldn't agree with each other whether I was "allowed " into their club or not as Star Gold (says so on the door!), so I told them save the worry, i'll happily expense a meal to myself and not have the hassle.