I fly just enough to get gold some years and platinum in others, and that's only if I line it up on the same airline or alliance (which I always do).

Comped status is very important for keeping airlines competitively in check. I comped over to CO at gold after DL did their LUser switch, and have been very glad I did.

I might comp out of CO, though, after four years because of a less favorable situation there now.

Still, I'll have to requalify for status on whatever airline I comp over to. I don't do it just to do it.

Those who fly enough to earn multiple gold or plat status if they spread out the earnings are such a coveted minority that I'd think the airlines would bend over backwards for them. But at that level it's almost entirely business travel (even more coveted)and there's usually a hub carrier in the person's hometown that has the big advantage.

Still, airlines like CO try to go after those with programs like Continental Select, where they award a large number of extra miles for a large number of flights.