As a vague rule, the only way to get "Frequent Flyer Preferred Status" is with your butt in the seat.

Lots and lots of airlines will give you FF miles for using their credit card, but the only 'status earning' miles out there are ones you earn.

(And before anyone 'corrects' me, yes - there are always exceptions - extra status miles for certain fare classes, or bonus miles for certain promotions and credit card signups. But for the most part, if you want elite status, you have to fly it.)