Doesn't sound like the original poster is doing a pure mileage run. He/she wants to go to Asia either way, and has a choice: get an award seat or buy a $1100 seat. That changes the parameters completely: it's not like paying $1100 just for status.

The decision of award vs. paid seat comes down to what your future plans are. Will you fly that airline much in 2004, thereby using your Silver status? Do you have another big trip planned down the road where you want to use the miles? Are you currently sitting on a million miles or 100,000 miles? Could you do paid seat + upgrade on this trip, thereby getting the best of both worlds (assuming you like int'l premium class...who doesn't?)? etc. etc. etc.

IMHO, buying the ticket and securing Silver in 2004 is a GOOD move if you will use it, and you will actually put your earned miles to good use at some forseeable point in the future. To me, just being able to book good coach seats, being able to check a bag in a non-kiosk airport, and being able to actually call the airline on the phone if I need to make a low-status worth it. The bonus miles and occasional upgrade are pure gravy.