It's fair point about the U.S. scheme but I think that was enhanced to the UK standard around 2003. Other than lower status thresholds I can't recall the European scheme being any different?

Certainly if you do a comparison of 05 to 15 EC the current version is mostly much better. GGL with jokers, 2 lounge guests, the phone line, guest cards is a tremendous step on for frequent fliers. Silver is much inproved for the infrequent frequent flier. Gold is more of a mixed bag as it has lost some benefits eg open doors. Bronze is wholly retrograde step IMHO!