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I would add that one of the greatest boons to my travel after reaching MM status and no longer doing mileage runs, buying miles, focusing on a specific card etc., and being semi-retired and reasonably comfortable, is being airline agnostic. Some trips I prefer expediency and take a nonstop, others I prefer the layover and route accordingly. Still others I fly for a particular airline's offering. I would gently suggest that emulating that as best you can and within your means will allow for an optimal travel experience.
100% this. I don't have MM status and am not semi-retired, but I am lucky to have SFC on NH and JGC on JL, and I am now airline agnostic. For each trip I choose whatever airline gives me the best overall value for my priorities (and I place high priority on service quality and convenience). It has made my travel life much more pleasant.