A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 102,617
Often it's best to participate in the FF program of the airline you're actually flying. If you get elite status, there can be benefits on the airiine itself versus across the alliance. A FF program is likely to award more miles for its own flights, but check this carefully. Some programs are worse than others for those who use cheap coach fares.
It might be easier to deal with SU if you're fluent in Russian.