It's so true. In my case, I was flying MEX-LHR-MEX to look after my mother when she fell and broke her hip. I hadn't flown BA for a while having had status on Aeromexico for a bit. I got Op-upped by ways from WTP to CW on the 747.

It was a taste. After having to travel WTP back and forth a few times for work (was a small startup and that's all the budget could stretch for), I got to Silver and then next step was Gold. Got there quickly and now it's hard to think about going back. I'm not chasing it this year, but appears I'll have enough work related trips to get me there either way. I doubt enough trips to go for 5k GGL, but I could honestly see me getting my first GUF this year.