Hi,

I spend what I earn each year

Five Asian C trips roughly equates to one free J trip, and also renewal into gold status, so it's a toss up each year, when to use the freebie, as I have been caught before having to fly "once more before December 31st".

Gold status means access to all the lounges for me and one other, that is most important.
Secondary importance is the ease to book, upgrade and be able to swap and change at a moment's notice.

Do I horde, NO!
Why, because I have seen too many airlines go belly up, and I have watched others who hoard have their nest egg eroded with changes.

Best of luck with the article, regards bkkrop