What can I say? You obviously have so much more actual experience with these matters than I do, why should I even bother answering. I only just recently completed by 600th Transatlantic segment going West, I'm at about 560 Going East, a huge percentage originating from IST and when I write/wrote about TK in 1993 or whenever) it is because I experienced it, but whatever. I have only been E+ every year since the post- Qualiflyer era...................I am sure that you have more E+ experience. About 95% of my miles that I put towards M&S are actually earned by flying TK, not TG, or whoever (I put most other Star flights towards my LH account), but I am sure that you. So silly of me to have make such guesstimates, when your knowledge is so vastly superior.