If you are a frequent flier, you want elite status (at least equivalent to Gold), because the perks (especially priority access, Lounge, preferred seats etc) actually make travel better and more convenient. So not putting all eggs in one basket then simply does not do the job.<p>I&#x27;d argue that most of those who reach the extremes of mile madness actually love it, even if they sometimes might seem to be irrationally stressed due to pressure to maintain their status.<p>It&#x27;s a hobby, and one that can get you to unexpected places of the world - even if the initial motivation might have been to chase some miles.