Status matches are generally one-shot deals to prevent abuses, but I don't think anyone can make a blanket statement that holds for all people and all airlines all the time.

The idea behind a status match is to get you to fly a lot with an airline when you would otherwise fly a different one because of elite status benefits. If you can convince an airline that you will, they'll match status, even if they matched it for you once already.

The catch is that, if they matched it once and you didn't follow through with a lot of flying, they'll be reluctant to believe your story - or even listen to it. However, it's not impossible. If you can get a travel agent or corporate travel coordinator to leverage his/her airline sales rep, you have a better chance than you would on your own. Also, if you requalified for the status they gave you for at least a few years after your first match, you have some credibility.