Rather than analyze every issue that could creep into this discussion, I will try to simplify my opinion.
I'm a DM who has over 5 million total program miles. I've never failed to reach the highest level of status, going back to 1990 during the Royal Medallion days. I'm also a Flying Colonel.
The only "perk" I ever wanted was upgrades. I didn't really care about free tickets.
We all know about FCM. So I buy first, primarily GAP fares out of TPA. I am a self employed consultant, so I am lucky in this area. Whatever other perks I might have coming, I don't care about and frankly don't even know what they are
Since FCM is the "new normal", then I simply don't care about status any more, although I will probably hit DM again this year. I fly 300 days a year.
One person's opinion, one person's perspective.
Will be interesting to hear others