I had EXP and BA Gold for 10 years, in the pre Plat Pro era when flying is what earned status. I was traveling enough to easily get both, there was no benefit to overachieving on AA (i had CK for a couple of years during that time but it was a corporate nomination vs "earned"), and it was nice to have the lounge access on domestic flights. Given the minimal difference now between PP and EXP I think going for BA status is a fine idea. Currently I dont travel enough myself to pull it off. Plus it diversifies the mile/point earning.