I was Gold my first year with AS and 75k past two years (and next year). 50k bonus points are great as are earnings. In terms of experience, only slightly. I've got a Lounge membership so those passes do nothing. The F upgrades codes are nice. And you will get prioritized for F upgrades more. Recently had a couple bad flights with VX. Was sent marching from the SFO AA Admirals Club -- told AS doesn't cover VX metal despite AS Lounge membership. Noticing catering is going downhill again. Double charged on point redemptions. May shop around in 2018. Got an offer from both DL and AA for mid/high easy status match.