Like you PETER01 I am a WT flyer with occasional treats above if i can get them - my very first TP run and status change from blue was a HNL in April and I got to Gold a few weeks ago! I didn't plan on it as the main benefit (as others say) of lounge access is achieved at Silver but I ended up too close to the threshold to let it pass! (With some help from C-W-S!)

Two days later I had some IRROPS on a cheapo return leg BOS-ORD-MAN-LHR on AA and got them to book me BOS-LHR on that evening instead (to my utter delight) - I wonder if that would have happened if I was still on a lower tier (or do IRROPS trigger that kind flexibility for everyone when re-booking?)

If so - that will be the main benefit of Gold for me. I have yet to actually enter GF under my own steam: next Friday!