I have been Gold on both EK and QR for multiple years and completely agree with you. EK just delivers a higher level of professionalism all around, which manifests itself in recognition for Gold flyers and every other aspect of service.

I don't feel entitled to op-ups; though I have had a few more on EK than QR too but not nearly as many as others here. I wouldn't expect either carrier to give an op-up just because one is Gold and C is available, but rather only if Y is over-sold. Perhaps QR has tighter inventory management and/or lower loads in Y.

Keep in mind also that there is little difference between Gold and Silver on QR. Very few flights offer three classes, so the benefit of first class check-in and first-class lounge access, while nominally superior on QR (since Gold on EK gives only business class check-in and business class lounge access) is illusory. In fact, DOH and DXB are the only stations I can think of where F/Gold passengers have a different lounge from C/Silver anyway. (I am not sure if the new lounge in LHR has a dedicated section for F passengers, and if Golds are permitted to use this.) Combined with the lack of op-ups (for which Gold presumably would have priority over Silver), I am not sure what the point of going for Gold is.