Other than earning miles, one has to see the benefits of each STAR alliance based membership.

I can say that LH's programme is good only if you want to earn miles (lots of it if travelling in Business or First Class with its x2, x3 point accumulation). LH is good when it comes to guaranteeing last seat availability in economy or business class if you're a Senator. But the programme falls short of offering complimentary upgrades when compared to other STAR programmes like AC or UA. We still have to 'pay' for our upgrades. I wouldn't count the oneway upgrade within Europe after accruing 50K miles generous.

AC's programme runs better if one likes the system wide upgrades. But that may all change in the future I see. I am not familiar with UA's programme so I won't say much here.

Now if you want to ..... about something - it's ANSETT's programme. I was downgraded from Diamond (STAR GOLD) to Platinum (also STAR GOLD). The only benefit that I will not be getting in dropping one level is ONE domestic upgrade coupon, and 5kg less in excess luggage allowance (on international flights) which is only 10kg extra. Other than that - zilch in promos, additional points, or even preferred seatings or even last seat availability. That is one of the reasons why the Lufthansa Miles and More dept in Sydney is getting swamped with more new members each day!