Welcome to FT, above4!

Whether or not UA imposes a PQD requirement outside the US as of September 24, 2019, or has announced that it will impose one at any specific future date, a few things are true:

1. Airlines in general are paying more and more attention to revenue as a criterion for awarding elite status.

2. If UA hasn't done it yet, that doesn't mean it won't do it tomorrow, next week, or next month,

3. Even if the OP can find an airline that doesn't consider revenue in awarding status now, it will become increasingly difficult to find one in the future.

Unfortunately, this is the reality we must all accommodate. Cheap status in exchange for squeezing one's bum into an economy seat for untold hours on end is a thing of the past in many places and is disappearing from the rest. I wouldn't choose a frequent flyer program on the basis of being able to earn status without a minimum spending level, because that can change on short notice - and probably will. Instead, find an airline that suits your travel patterns and accept its FF program for what it is.

You might also consider getting one of the fancier credit cards. Many airline-affiliated cards grant second-tier status for an annual fee that is high compared to ordinary credit cards but is a lot lower than the usual spending requirement for that level. The availability of such a card might affect your choice of airline if more than one is otherwise suitable.