What airline are you talking about? I think you need to find out from particular "gold" members of that airline. Much of my UA 1K is leisure travel, and I can't even imagine flying anymore if I'm not either at least a Premier Exec on UA, or using miles or paying for a premium class on another airline. It's not that I receive such great service all the time, but its how I see the masses being treated.

It seems from what I personally see and also read that you need to be in the second tier up for any real benefit from most airline programs. Happy flying.