Off topic but similar I tried to access the lounge in Honolulu last week but got turned away at the door despite being Elite and the wife being Elite partner. Because I "Was not gold" I had no access rights and "Elite meant nothing to Star Alliance" whatever that mens.

I boxed on for a bit and eventually she was going to let me in but I had to pay $50 each for wife and son so we passed on it.

Wasnt a happy camper tbh. Really put a downer on an overall great experience both ways.