I am a gold on US. next few trips will be international to asia/subcontinent. plan to use NW/KLM.
Will N comp me status if I send them a letter describing my situation and say that I plan to switch travel to NW.

Preferred status on NW would probably help accumulate miles although I might reach silver in any case.
DoeHow does NW upgrade policy work? will they upgrade preferreds on International flights?
Thanks in advance