One thing not yet mentioned: Many of the benefits associated with status are also available when booking First or Business class tickets, and perhaps in some cases some of them also when booking "anytime" (not "saver") award tickets. So by getting enough miles through spend to book those classes (instead of just "saver" Coach), it lessens the need for elite status if most of your travel can be on award tickets. That's obviously not a practical solution for those who travel a lot of paid flights and want status on those, but it may be something to consider for those who only travel occasionally and yet would like elite perks.