A couple of points:

1. 30 segments is 15r/t. Just over one per month. Even fewer trips required if you're connecting.

2. Beware of CO's Onepass program and their flights. If you use collect CO EQM, you must purchase your deep discount fare on continental.com or else you earn only 50% EQM and ZERO segment. If you fly on NW/DL, then most discount fares have the same rule. If you collect NW/DL EQM/MQM, then many CO fares will give you only 50% EQM and ZERO segment. Be really really careful when you deal with Continental when it comes to elite qualification. They are the least generous among all the major airlines now that DL has retreated from its 50%/0-point creation.