The general answer is it really depends on the carrier and programme. It tends to vary markedly, even within the same region, compare say LH and SK.

I think you are also missing the fact that you ARE recognised as a status passenger - even if a lowly *S. Helps when a full intercontinental flight goes tech and they need to find new seats for 300 odd people. *S goes a helluva long way, not as far as *G but far enough.