I have never really found tier status with BA help me as I tend to book and upgrade (so I never get upgraded again)
There are many of us here which did MFU and then got upgraded again. But of course BA will only upgrade pax if it is needed, i.e. in case of overbooking.
For me Gold is worth it due to the nicer lounges and waiving of several fees (e.g. award flight cancellation fees). But YMMV....