"BTW, how does QF define its FF membership year? My membership started in mid January, years back. I will not make enough flights to get to any status before January, so what should I do? Open another QF FF account "

It depends. Have you had a lot of points credited to your current QF account? If so themn continue using that since 7,000 status credits gives lifetime silver. If not, then open a new account and your membership year will run about 13 months. If you want a bit longer to accrue enough points for status then join after your next trip and you will get about 13 months plus be able to get the points for the flights already taken.

"Maybe I am getting too old but I just don't see it feasible to travel to another continent in order to stay loyal to an airline."

No, if you'r getting old , its just that you've finally realised that flying is a method of getting from A to B rather than the end itself

Dave