I wonder if the mods could merge this thread with ones like the below and merge into a "Which ST program should I choose?" sticky:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/skyte...ld-i-join.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/skyte...am-enroll.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/skyte...-i-choose.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/skyte...-skymiles.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/skyte...ld-i-join.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/skyte...dia-miles.html

In terms of DL's international origination surcharge, i think that only applies for bookings from Europe to the US. If you're flying to other destinations from Europe on other carriers, I don't think it applies