Do you prefer the benefits of having *G for the rest of your life compared to cheaper redemption options?

For Star Alliance, I'd say OZ is the better one for lifetime status. It just requires 500K miles on ANY *A airline so it is reachable by many FTers. Redeeming OZ miles is a pain due to high fees/taxes and a bad redemption rate.

Not sure about KE's program though. If I recall correctly you need to fly 1MM, correct?

Remember that even though you have *G on OZ but are flying UA, you won't be receiving UDUs unless a GA is VERY nice to you. I only had this happen to me once when I politely asked the GA if I can be put on the waitlist as a *S and he called my name after a few minutes.