+1 to Nominal. Very well said.
You can also debate that even 80 segments x year with LH group will not take you nowhere near the SEN tier, and same time bashed down as unfrequent flyer or A3 gold by some.
Personally I would never ask for an upgrade, but I do not blame those you dare so.
A couple of years back rules were changed.
Put it simple, the higher booking class gives you higher chance of opup.
Status comes later, with cheapest eco classes like E,L,T,K rousing a laugh if object of upgrade request.