Welcome TSUalum93!
In my opinion becoming at least Gold is necessary for good mileage accrual. If you qualify this year, you'll earn a 100% bonus on all flights next year not to mention the upgrades.
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God Bless America West and British Airways
HP - Platinum/975k miles
BA - Dirt/5k Soon to be Gold
NW - Dirt/10k Only using for emergency flights
UA - Dirt/19k miles
AA - 60k/Using to get BAEC Gold and 1/2MM status.