But Blonde Bomber, you could ask exactly the same question about Eurobonus Gold access to Senator lounges and Senator cardholder access to RVC Gold lounges. And Lufthansa Frequent Traveller cardholders (STAR silver)have access to RCC lounges when flying United domestically - at least they did 8 months ago when I travelled before reaching Senator status.
The STAR Alliance guarantees a broad level of reciprocal benefits but I don't think that that precludes other enhanced benefits through bilateral agreements most of which,as I said, pre-dated STAR Alliance.
Lufthansa FT and Senator card-holders have had access to Golden Wing Lounges since Lufthansa's alliance with Ansett began and the reality is Golden Wing Clubs are far superior to any of the LH FT or Business Class lounges - they are more akin to the Senator lounges.Therefore on the basis of reciprocity equivalent status Ansett flyers (Platinum and Diamond) have had access to the LH equivalent lounge - Senator.

[This message has been edited by 3544quebec (edited 03-28-99).]