Pretty much looks to me there are really only a couple of ways to earn status points.

I am Elevate Gold because of the promotion from AmEx

I would like to at least maintain Silver status.

Since I only earn 5 points per $$$ spent, i would have to spend a minimum of $4000 on flights in a calendar year

AND/OR

Use the VX branded Credit card to earn 5,000 bonus status points for every $10,000 of eligible purchases, up to a maximum of 15,000 status points per calendar year

No other ways to earn status correct?

If I spent $2000 on flights, I could earn half (10,000 points) PLUS, if I spent e.g., $20,000 on the card, I would earn the other half

I am used to the "butt in seat" PQM method used by United and I also have a branded credit card that earns PQM (no longer available to public)

its based on miles flown

base miles are now based on purchase price, but status miles (PQM) still use the old method.

Just trying to compare to see how hard to maintain status on VX

I only travel for leisure. It will be almost impossible for me to retain GOLD