Might be worth mentioning, i just got off the phone with US airways for my LGA-PHL-TLV-PHL-YYZ.
I added my United Platinum Number to the reservation but of course i was unable to select preferred seating. As, like united, US airways has reciprocally stopped allowing United's Elites to select preferred seating on their flights.
After adding my United Platinum number, i asked if my star alliance gold status was reflected on the reservation, she confirmed that she did not see my status on her system and attributed it to a "known glitch".
I told her i would like to select a preffered "Elite seat" (not the "choice" ones that cost money rather the preffered seats blocked for elite members in the front - not economy plus either). She said she would be glad to do as i am an "elite member" and those seats are blocked for Elite members only.
2 points.
A. Although officially i am not entitled to the preffered seats, and i could not have selected them online, over the phone i was able to.
B. apparently the agent was not even able to verify if i was a star alliance gold member or not, hence even if i gave them a random number they may have beleived me that it is star-alliance gold and allocated me those seats anyway.
While point B. is not such a big deal, as that is as far as the benefit will extend - a seat closer to the front, no other benefits, that benefit alone is worth a nice few bucks as you can select better seats then even the "choice seats" wich cost money.
Just giving the heads up for those interested in getting a better seat..