I don’t see the point of putting all the effort and expense in just to get to Diamond. Once you’ve achieved it, would you maintain it by adding so many status runs? There becomes a point where the extra lounge access and boarding in the first line (if they are operating) isn’t worth it. I’m Gold and compared with Silver, no difference apart from lounge access for 2 rather than 1. Never been upgraded since being Gold (was once as Silver) and although I get the onboard greeting, have never received the bottle of Evian, even after being stuck on the tarmac still at the gate with the doors closed for nearly 3 hours during the black rainstorm fiasco and almost fainting with poor cabin temperature. I had to ask for a snack and got a pack of nuts as would close to needing medical attention (diabetes).

I don’t think I’ll be pushing for Gold again. I might go for Silver which would require a return to Europe and back in business but again, when CX is significantly more expensive than competitors ex-HKG, I feel it might be worth it to just book C cabins when you really need them and with the best price.

So if you’re a few tier points short, go for it but if planning a whole Diamond membership based on manufactured runs to the US, save your money for a cheaper hobby!