TP,
Good luck with your request. Often NW will grant you status if you have status with another airline. They basically will offer a challenge (x number of return trip in so many weeks) and then comp you.
You are travelling a lot, but you are right that miles are few. Are these on any fares that give you segment credits? The higher the fares, the more "credits" NW will give you.
Good luck.
BTW, never hurts to ask NW to see what they will grant you. Let us know how it turns out.