As for Star in Asia, they are very strong. Yes Thai and Singapore compete, but think what it would be like (what it was like) with a strong Asian economy. When the Asian economy turns around, the Star Alliance will reap huge profits.

I don't see the Star Alliance as weak or poor in quality at all. It's the strongest in the world now and UA covers the U.S. very nicely.

As for Oneworld, you don't have to fly through Heathrow to get to Eastern Europe. You can fly through DUB, MAD, or HEL instead. Oneworld really needs another Asian carrier and JAL would be good, but they don't want to join. I'd like to see Aerolineas Argentinas join Oneworld.