Best way I can convince someone to get status on a carrier is the same reason I value it, 2 main reasons:
1. During IRROPs, being able to get priority handling on getting a new flight, rebooked, or getting overnight accommodations is a big plus. At least for me once we hit a rolling delay out of Denver, and wanting not to land and drive 2 hours at 4am, I called the dedicated UA line, and within 3 minutes I had a hotel, food voucher, and a confirmed flight the next morning. During weather related issues, this can also be even more useful as everyone is trying to rebook into other flights.

2. Flying alliance carriers and the carrier itself, getting priority handling is also a major plus for me. But at the same time, while nowadays I travel with a mobile bp, carry on, and TSA pre, so for me the ground experience is indifferent regardless of airline. But of course, I do value having the ability to waive checked bag fees when needed, and to select E+ seats complimentary, and all the other published features yadda yadda.

But your biggest reason for status is definitively faster handling during IRROPs, which is when I think its value is truly given