I now fly only for holidays and regard status as an invaluable perk. Generally I go J or F long haul so the status does not matter but when flying short haul it’s great. I can use the lounge and most importantly select seats so I get the leg room of an exit seat. When I flew for work the extra luggage allowance was the bonus as well as being able to use a better lounge than J got me. (I was *A gold when flying for work but now hover roundabout BA silver with the occasional forays into bronze (!) or gold.)