Thanks for the confirmation! Sure, *G is only useful if you use it, but not having the pressure to qualify in that year in between and e.g. use your points for award flights is nice. Or to work on status with another alliance.

It is not just about collecting shiny cards - having say 2 of these cards gives flexibility in airline choice. I am recently status matched to TK and all of a sudden I have fast lanes, free seat selection, free bags and lounge access on TK and *A carriers, which become now a good alternative for ST where I have status as well, particularly if they offer considerably lower prices. Without the perks the price difference often vanishes by paying for seats and bags.