I think that you need to be careful with regard to Gold Card retention.

I keep mine by flying long haul, usually at the last minute, in Club or First.

Need over 6 returns a year this soon means that spend circa 25k a year.

I think that the biggest problem is the 'Eurogold.' If you live in the US you need 1500 points for a gold card. It should be the same in Europe.

FD