There really isn't much to Gold other than a few flights with a little discount, some merchandise you can get with reduced air miles, and the supposed ability to book flights up to a couple days prior to departure (as if award seats would be available on any but the most obscure or lightly travelled routings anyway).

I'm surprised a sponsor has the ability to get a member put to AM Gold (which requires 1000 AM's earned in the year from at least 5 sponsors).