Hi guys - I am pretty new to the frequent flyer scene and I am looking for advice on the best program to go for, but I would be really interested to get some opinions on couple of things...

- Which Star Alliance FF Program is easiest to reach SA Gold status?
- Which Star Alliance FF Program has the biggest number of/most prominant non SA airline partners? (ie Virgin Atlantic with US Dividend Miles)

Oh and some background info that will help you answer the above me:

- i'm already a member of SK Eurobonus and have earned approx 7000 miles in short haul flights in Europe and stays in Radisson SAS hotels
- I plan to go on holiday to Thailand next month (partly as a milage run) see this thread http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=802220
- I have to arrange at least two trips to the US this year (NYC and Las Vegas)
- I fly approx twice a month from London to various European cities, but flights to Helsinki will make up 20% of these yearly trips.

I was all set on ploughing through the miles to get Eurobonus Gold Status - but having looked at the US Dividend Miles (I can fly very cheaply to LHR-BKK with Qatar Airlines for my holiday, I can fly direct to Las Vegas with Virgin for my work trip etc) is it worth me forgoing those 7k points and starting fresh with US Dividend or United Mileage Plus? Or is there an even better SA program out there?

All help appreciated!

Josh