I was wondering which lounge program offers the best value for non/low-elite North American based members.

The answer would depend on one's flying patterns, but it seems the answer is Canadian's Empress Lounge program based on two factors.

First, at $200 CAD ($135 USD), it is 50-60% less than what US airlines' charges. To be fair, Air Canada charges the same amount. Until 4/30/99, Empress Lounge membership can be purchased for $150 CAD ($99 USD).

Second, Empress club members get access to Admiral's club if they are flying either CP or AA. Therefore, a US member can use AA lounge if the person is flying AA.

Admiral's club members can also access Empress lounge when on AA or Canadian, but the annual fee is higher. (I paid $275 as a platinum.) Maple Leaf members can access US lounges only when they are flying AC.

A third possibility is NWA/Continental's World Club membership, $300 for domestic access and $400 for domestic and international access. Lifetime membership is a bargain but has the high initial fee.

Any other ideas?