..and one more question:

WHY would a whole group of disparate airlines (that make up the *A) have exactly the same priviledges and rules?

There are MANY variations....and while it is true that most seem to relate to "home FF" members I can hardly see how M&M's generosity toward *G card holders somehow places the burden on other airlines to match!

The *A website states that *G will have access to *G lounges. I can find nothing that dictates to airlines WHICH lounges have to be so designated.

Must say of course, access to the SEN lounge is a nice little perk!