In another thread, 3544quebec posted an incredible Oneworld Explorer itinerary that earns 852000 points, spread over 7 airlines (and >100000 on each).

I don't know what it costs, but my question is threefold:
first, those points are worth U$17000 at 2 cents each, is it worth the trip to earn those points (and Oneworld Emerald on most or all of them, certainly CP and AA, leading to upgrade stickers as well);
secondly, if you're flying just for points, do you fly fly fly, or do you stop and enjoy the trips (which adds to the time and of course meals and hotel bills)?;
and finally, what's Sapphire or Emerald status worth to you (my unimaginative YVR-YYJ would move me from Elite to SuperElite next year for C$4500 net of points, and a Basic member to Elite for C$1900 net of points)?

I always seem to look on these things as get the flying out of the way, then come back later (e.g. my YVR-YYJ routing for the AC full-fare promo), but in this case a later trip to Europe or Asia will use up almost all the 100000 points earned for the Explorer, so by going slower you could get _two_ visits.

Opinions?

Thanks!
andrew