Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry: BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.1030 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)

"I have mileage cards from all the major airlines, but completely scattered miles and no clear idea of which I should continue with, how I should organize, etc."

In order to maximize status, you need to credit as many of your flights as possible to the same frequent-flyer program. That means flying either on that program's airline or flying on one of that program's airline partners. Note, however, that some fares will only earn reduced mileage (or even none at all) in some programs. And some program's partners will only earn [I]redeemable[/b] miles, not status-earning miles, so that's another wrinkle to consider.

Which airline(s) do you tend to fly the most often?