The 50 sectors isn't that bad really as is only averaging one return per week; a lot worse out there I'm thinking. However, with it being such a hard slog to gain status in that fashion and with potentially 50+ visits pa to GF compared to GC, front row seat selection, extra avios and other benefits that gold brings, travelling life could be made a whole lot easier holding gold status especially if this schedule continues. On that basis I think a "good value" TP excursion to attain gold would be money well spent if it were me.