Am now in that (older and retired) territory and am on-track to test the soft drop shortly. Over the years have found the Gold benefits to be really useful, especially the first checkin which avoids the hateful queues. And some great lounges. But have decided to stop chasing those 1500 TPs -frankly couldn't justify the cost but as a sop have invested in an AMEX platinum. This takes care of the lounge access amongst other things but will just have to lump the queues or fork out for business.

Toyed briefly with going all out for a couple of years and reaching Gold for Life, but in the cold light of morning have accepted that a bottle of wine and Google Flights are not good partners.