Totally new to Elite status and a bit confused here. Until 6 months ago had no status but then became Gold. And now due to a bit of flying the last 6 months I am so close to Plat.

I just got over the $4500 threshold so I have the check mark there for Plat. But I have 39,534 on the miles and I believe I need both of them. So I am 466 miles short but do I have to do this by Dec 31st 2021? If so I need to to catch a quick flight to SF or PHX. Or can I do this in January b/c my Gold status says its good until Jan 2023 so doesnt that mean whenever I hit Plat its also good til 2023 and i am not bound by qualifying by 12/31? However, I am also confused b/c of the new qualifying rules beginning in January 2022 which dont use these same parameters.

Also, how big of an upgrade is Plat over Gold? Likely I still wont get upgrades given there are so many Exec Plat & Plat Pro's right? And I am on a Business or First only run now since senior year of HS and dont want to break that so I dont see myself buying any flights in Coach in hopes of an upgrade. So really what does Plat get me then if I dont use the upgrades? I dont check bags so dont need that perk either.

Thanks