In a word, yes! Most of my travel is self-funded leisure with a few business trips thrown in for good measure. Status makes the travel experience much more enjoyable. Whether that be advanced seat selection, fast track at security, lounge access, priority boarding etc. they all help.

Unfortunately they don't prevent issues from occurring on the day, although status can help getting them resolved more quickly.

In terms of lounges at T3, you should definitely consider visiting Qantas or Cathay. At LAS the lounge there is definitely better than spending time sitting at the gate although I do agree the food offering isn't brilliant. The Mid-J 747 aircraft that operate the Las Vegas route are in the process of being refurbished and having flown from and to Las Vegas over the Christmas break I would beg to differ with your perception of both the planes and the food offering. However, that said, you clearly didn't enjoy the flight and that's unfortunately what matters!

I'd definitely agree with rather_be_on_a_griffin that you should get back on the saddle and give it another whirl.