I am a Silver year on year purely based on leisure flying. I could easily do a TP run or two and get Gold but what's the point really? I usually fly at least business class so I get the most important perks with that anyway. Yes I could have a shiny gold card in my wallet but that is just bragging rights.
I think if you do a lot of Economy flying which I doubt most on here do
I can understand why chasing a higher status would help a little bit but I don't think Gold in it's own right gives you enough to spend excess money on getting it! I find Silver the best card on offer for benefits/money spent
