For what it's worth, NZ_Flyer, I recently relocated to the UK from Australia, where I had for the past three years managed to retain QF Gold status. The vast majority of my travel is leisure based and self funded, but I have still managed to retain QF Gold status since arriving in the UK and flying in and around Europe, mainly on BA and IB on the cheapest fare buckets.

It takes quite a bit of flying to attain the 600 SCs to regain Gold Status, but it's good fun and a great way to see much of Europe. The points earn is typically 25% of miles on BA, but as we know, it's the SCs that are critical. Given that I only usually purchase the cheaper tickets, had I changed to BAEC, I'd be earning zero status, and the miles earned would be negligible. As it is, by sticking with QF FF, the miles are for the most part negligible, but I've kept my status and make the most of lounge access. I've also been op-upped on five or six flights in the past eight months to Club Europe, which is a pleasant enough perk.

One thing I do try to do to maximise miles earning is book IB codeshares on BA metal when flying to Spain, as well as AY codeshares on BA metal to Finland.

Hope this helps, and enjoy your time in the UK should you make the move.