OP is advocating book multi-leg trips as much as possible to qualify on MQS instead of MQM. If you live outside a hub, you only need 8 trips (all with a layover) to make FO.

Also assuming you can afford to add days onto your travel schedule (and the 1-segment vs a direct flight isn't always cheaper, in fact it can be 10x more expensive).

As a Segment qualifier, the OP is partially correct. If you have flexible travel, you can probably net FO for >$2,500 with 30 segments if your strategic with your bookings.