I was actually responding to the other posters, who as you summarised, seem to indicate that it isn't quite as tight as Star.

I'm not STE+ and am interested in how people view it vs what is advertised.

I think all US domestic flights (regardless of which airline or alliance you are talking about) which have been ticketed with an international leg, the international baggage allowance applies to the domestic leg. However, on the lounge question I think ST is not as clear, particularly when if comes to contract lounges.