Well, it is certainly a good reminder of why one should hold a non/US gold card. It is really ridiculous that Star Alliance Gold benefits don't apply to the US based members. (Yes, I know the lounge benefit is specifically for non US carriers, however, it seems rather ridiculous that they charge for the benefit. But speaking of this, if a UA 1K flew PEK-PVG, would they get lounge access? If not, does HKG count as international? What about TPE?