I will have Gold status after my next flight early November and wonder if it will be worth the status?

I mostly fly business class and enjoy Etihad service.
The silver advantages are fine to me: business lounge access when travelling economy (except Brussels) and 10kgs extra luggage, I only miss the Qatar silver advantage of business class counter check in, which I will have with EY gold anyway. The 25% percent extra milage will help somewhat, together with fast track, but I am not impressed.

On 3 years flying EY mainly Europe- Bangkok I had one upgrade to business at check in, which upped to first at boarding time. That was the nicest flight ever, but it remains a one off. Since I mostly fly business anyway, I can't get upgraded to business anyway.

Since a few months my status is hovering near gold, missing 3 to 5k miles due to the 12 months rolling rule, seems I fly one week later this year as compared to previous, idem year before. So being 3-5k away from gold has not provided me any perks. But I'll get there anyway soon.

I plan my next trip to Europe for Spring 2010 and see excellent deals on Qatar business, around 350 euro cheaper as compared to Etihad x2, travelling with my wife. I guess if I can save 700 euro on the trip I might fly Qatar to Paris in stead, or fly EY economy taking advantage of gold status, wondering if the gold perks will be worth it.

Thanks for any consideration/experience from EY gold card holders.