In the spirit of FT I say get to the highest status you can with one program first. This would look like United for you as you have already 43K EQM so I would hope you could make it to Platinum or 1K. I am sorry I am a One World person and am not that informed on Star Alliance Carriers. I do like using them for some awards though. I know you could use Star Alliance carriers from your new home base DXB and have a chance of upgrades on long hauls. I hope someone can provide you with more information on Star Alliance.