Gaining miles only it seems, no XP as already suggested earlier in this thread....that is limited incentive to plug in Etihad legs in your journey unless there is no other choice. Particularly as long as there are no reciprocal benefits for elite members (read: lounge access, priority, etc.). For China and SE Asia I still would highly prefer a ST carrier or an AF/KL marketed flight giving me XP plus miles and elite recognition. For Australia Etihad becomes an option, certainly now that the Quantas legs you alternatively would book don't give XP anymore soon. But who knows....would be so great to have Etihad as full member of Skyteam, that would change things a lot.