A year ago, I'd have said that for someone for whom the route network works, shooting for 1MM/lifetime Gold would be a worthwhile goal if only to ensure they'll always have the option of booking a flight without having to worry about a change fee.

Given the rate of devaluation of Mileage Plan, I am no longer nearly as confident that benefit will remain available for much longer, so I certainly would not consider that benefit when considering whether to bother with 1MM. And with that benefit gone, there isn't much of a reason left to pursue Gold, IMHO.