I don't agree, BA somehow seems to take notice of my card, I always book through their own ticket sales and pre-assigned seats are always waiting for me. What I do miss are the US perks like upgrades etc... There must be too many gold members for the real perks to go round....
Although I have never reached "elite" status on any other airlines I don't feel that I am missing much (besides their crappy ground services and sales...).... I'm being comped to BD gold soon so I'll get a taste of another card....
Scott