Agreed.

But it also depends on exactly where you're going to be. Would I push from 25 to 35? I don't know.

But if you're going to be sitting at 33, then yes, fly YYZ-YUL-YHZ instead of YYZ-YHZ a couple times.

My first year, I realized I was going to end with about 28k miles, but my flying was going to pick way up the next year (I was looking at about 50-75k, but then EYW happened...), so I wanted to make sure I had priority services, domestic lounge access, and a few more eUpgrades. I absolutely do not regret it. I spent $587.76 on mileage runs to do that.

Another option is to get a credit card that will give you lounge access and priority check-in and boarding. The main benefits to status over a credit card are upgrades (which are diminished, but I've paid $400 for a YYZ-SFO LMU, so I clearly value 15 eUps at $400) and better service during IRROPS.

If you can do it for free with just some different routings, then I'd say it's probably worth it, but with what you care about, a credit card is probably better than paying for unnecessary trips.