Seems that OW has added members at a slower rate than Star and/or the SkyTeam powerhouse now that CO,DL,NW,AF,KL have pulled together with the other/new members.

I could see 9W in the near term but they're still missing a middle eastern airline...thought GF might try but EY might be more lucrative to try and fight the ever-so-powerful EK. QR seems to be leaning towards Star - THoughts?

What other holes are there in the world? Africa is one - is there another viable carrier now? Kenya/SAA are taken. Ethopian?

Speaking of this...and this is a somewhat loaded question - Tim C. has stated in the past that he's avoided membership in an alliance b/c he felt that it would have inhibited their growth. Can someone explain this to me in greater length?
thanks