My wife and I made it back to Platinum (from Gold) status this year solely due to the fact that award travel now earns status points. A lot of people make a big deal about the credit card spending but even though we pay most of our monthly bills with the Alaska card, splitting it up between two individuals trying to earn the same status really only throws in about 2000-3000 status points per year per person but an international award flight on QR via DOH even in Y is where the status points really add up and make the greatest difference. Things I appreciate the most about being Platinum:

1. Even with all the upgrade shenanigans and processor "issues", the difference in complimentary upgrades between Gold and Platinum has been significant and my kids inheriting our Platinum status when they travel with us is icing on the cake.
2. I appreciate being able to lock in Premium Class at booking.
3. I have a new appreciation for my Platinum status after being told via the text feature that I needed to call reservations which currently had wait times approaching 3 hours only to have my call answered in about 5 minutes.