I could do true Turkish non-stop but I earn 16,000 less redeemable miles for this trip.
I would also earn 1500 less PQP as the max PQP for MP Partners is 1000 for first/business class.
And yes, I could go non-stop IAD-IST but I'm not sure this is worth it. I do enjoy the benefits of Star Gold plus the Plus Points.
They use the 777-300 from IAD and while I've heard it is spacious even at 2 x 3 2, I much prefer the single style seat.
I wish I knew if the were going to extend 1K status another year.
Then I would probably do the TK trans-Atlantic without hestiation.