You should take a look at the benefits of Gold vs. Silver on the CX website or your MPC Handbook. Also, Cathaytalk.com has a good discussion, I believe. I'm MPC Gold right now, and there are a few things I have noticed that make Gold worth the effort. One: Guaranteed Economy reservations in the mileage-earning classes (YBHKMLV) with at least 3 days notice. I don't think any other airline offers guaranteed reservations the way CX does; most others that do only guarantee a full Y fare. Plus it gives me a very high degree of flexibility, seeing as how most of my trips are business related. Two: I travel within the US a lot on AA, so my oneworld Sapphire status gets me into the AAdmiral's Club (or any oneworld business class lounge) even on domestic flights. But now my AMEX business platinum card does the same (just AAdmirals Club). Three: Very short waiting time when on the phone with Marco Polo Club; they answer almost immediately, though it could be that I'm calling when most people in HKG are asleep. A benefit that I haven't noticed because the route I travel is a premium route is that Gold members are placed VERY high on the op-up list (2nd only to the various diamond members). On some of my domestic intra-Asia flights, the ISM would greet me personally in the Y cabin; my son who is Silver did not get greeted, nor do I remember that as a Silver member.

But honestly, if any of the Gold benefits appeal to you, then and only then would I make the effort to do another trip. I've just explained a few benefits that I use regularly when flying. Otherwise, if you see yourself upgrading to Gold next year, then you could always wait. One of the perks, lounge access to CX lounges, are there for you regardless if you're Silver or Gold.