For me, it started with an IAD to SYD flight. AA from IAD to LAX, QF from LAX to SYD. In Y. After return, co-worker pointed out that premium economy was still economy. Sadly far too late.

Then I needed four flights to qualify for Bronze. IAD-LHR-AUH and return in J got me there and to Silver, along with a couple of AA US domestic flights. (AA DCA to PVD is a tier point bonus - 10 TPs in Y, 60 in F, costing me $49 for the upgrade to F.)

I'm now at the point where I'm working on how to get to Gold. Possible IAD-DUB round trip. Need to go to SFO in April, just can't figure out how to do that and get the long-haul credit I'll need on AA without my partner going ballistic when she could just fly direct IAD-SFO.

But in the end, it's worth it - we've gotten our next IAD to LHR in J set (on the way to GCI)

In short, like other US-based folks, I'm getting status on partners and using that for personal BA flights.