Hm questions is what you want to do longer term. ME of course has SV and a few other ST members. If you don't see yourself maintaining Gold longer term or using your miles, now spending 40k on donations for the 1-2 flights you may still do with ST for the perks may be worth it. But Fabo is right, 40k miles can be 400 Euro if you play it right, and if you can do one cheapish run for 200 Euro that is more cost effective