For those in the West Coast of USA or for those who travel to West Coast USA frequently, Alaska is a good option to earn miles. You also earn EQMs with Alaska.
May be EK should try to hook up with JetBlue, just like they did with Alaska. That would cause an exodus of frequent flyers to both EK and may to JetBlue. However the problem is JetBlue is also part owned by LH ??, and this could be deal killer. LH is intent on limiting EK whereever it can.