4 long haul flights each 140 tier points flying economy (each ticket around $900 USD after some avios discount plus finding a cheap upgrade on one of the flights during the year to PE gets me to 600 tier points and Silver. I appreciated the seat selection 7 days prior to travel but Silver makes my economy flying MUCH more enjoyable with lounge access, early boarding and 2 x 32kg bags if needed AND sharing the baggage allowance and early boarding with family when we travel together. Not on topic but economy is fine when combined with Silver status for me at least.