Obviously it depends on one's travel profile. I am based in the Gulf with a fair amount of business and personal travel. But, compared with other airlines, the top tier takes relatively fewer miles.

And the rolling calendar makes it easier to manage when one is trying to achieve status on multiple carriers simultaneously. (At least, it made it easier for me to initially qualify for Gold, although it's probably more of a disadvantage in subsequent years.)

No, I did not know that. I looked into it (briefly) and didn't see a way that non-UAE residents could obtain it. Thanks for the information.

Edited to add: Brussels traveller, are you sure about that? According to the Dubai government web page, only UAE residents are normally allowed to receive it. A thread elsewhere on the Emirates Forum suggests also that they discontinued issuing e-gates to non-residents.