Need some opinions. I travel only for pleasure and pay out of my own pocket. I can reach Gold status by flying 10 flights, 6 segments each, approx. $140 per flight. I would do these trips only to reach status. In addition to these trips, I would probably fly 4-6 times through the rest of this year. Next year i'd probably fly to Europe(2-3times), Calif.(3-4 times), Florida(5-6 times), plus whatever i'd need to maintain status. I'd, most likely, do this every year. Are the upgrades, bonus miles, and other perks worth the cost and expense of attaining and maintaining gold status.