I think this sort of topic is very valuable, since it allows people who are not yet committed or who are thinking of changing allegiances to get the "street word" on each airline. In my experience, European and Asian flaggeds are infinitely superior to American, if only because there is a greater tradition of service in the Old World and/or the airline is the one and only international airline of that country and thus represents it. For this reason alone, I think of the airlines that belongs to an international consortium is particularly valuable. I myself am a NW elite, and it has served me well since only NW really offers the really cheapest NYC-NRT airfares. CO does seem a cut above, with the corporate culture having a splash of SW style "can-do" spirit. Peace.