I think I've been SE for about 12 years, and about to lose it for the first time (impossible quarantine requirements in all my usual destinations). Of course the initial feeling is great, but I'd say it took me quite a bit of time to fully appreciate the status: getting on good terms with the concierges in the main stations I use; finding out how to really optimize reward travel, combining SE status with other perks like GE etc etc. I owe FT a lot for that education! Some of the routines I developed are not specific to SE status, but just happened at the same time - like my HKG routine: United lounge for the showers, then Thai for a meal, then - if time permits - Singapore for champagne and laksa.... So don't rush...