Thanks for all the suggestions. The point about the RCCs is interesting - I hadn't thought of that. But, according to my calculations, to do the 10K Thai status level (the lowest *G level available), I would have to give up 20K miles on UA (10K status + 10K bonus), which at $0.02 per mile is $400, about the cost of a year's membership to the RCC. OTOH, I would still have 10K miles on Thai to use for... uh... for... something...

Given that, I'm hard pressed to see a reason for a 2nd *A membership. Would I possibly receive better treatment on an intenrational flight if I were a "native" FF rather than a *A FF? Better upgrade/award seat availability? A nicer wink from a pretty stewardess, maybe?

(edited to eliminate a question to which I found the answer)

[This message has been edited by IFlySJC (edited 10-08-2002).]