Great (and often enthusiastic) feedback and advice.

I'm coming to the conclusion that like I may have to split up between 2 programs. AS will probably be one of them, but I may use them for west coast travel, and the occasional overpacked and overbooked flight to EWR. I'm close to MVP Gold, and might make it.

2 or 3x monthly trips to the east coast or beyond should let me rack up points on another airline. And it looks like it's between AA, NW and perhaps UA (as a third place option).

AA would give me coverage on airports that AS doesn't have, and I can't help but think that AA gives upgrades to it's own folks before looking at it's partner Elitess so MVP Gold may not help me. The gates are closer, etc. Upgrade certs are cheaper. But that Q & O footnote on their status points chart looks potentially annoying.

NW might be a candidate to replace my CO favorite from back east. Like AA, it's relationship with AS helps.

UA, however has that E+ (that you can purchase access to) & that might make it easier when I have to be behind the curtain. I was a 1K for about 3 years, but I still remember those days of their scheduling issues. I HATE US Scareways. They have exhibited extremely aberrant behavior in my direction when I was in their Chairmans club. and that is a biased opinion. Thanks to the general for reminding me of that.

I'm looking at schedules between these two to destinations I know I'll be hitting like New Orleans, Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Heathrow, Schipol etc. That might help tip the scales for me.

Thanks for all the great input, and please the more first hand accounts I can review the more informed I can be.

I figure in another week or so I'll be booking for '07. I'll be sure to post what I decided on given the emotions this invoked.

As as Mr. Letterman says. "Please, no wagering"