I agree with
thadocta.
From personal experience, in 1997 I looked back on paying for the last 10 years of Flight Deck/QC membership and thought that I had already paid more in fees than the anual membership. At that stage, under the old membership tiers, I was Silver (thus not getting automatic entry on flying, the reason why I bought it like
thadocta espoused); which then under the new QFF program became Gold (and all of a sudden, free QC membership).
I rose to Plat in 2002 and now I get F lounge access. Wonderful to be at the top, but enjoy the view while you're there, as there is only one way from her (no, not CL; rather down).
But my time will come when I won't make Plat and (egads) perhaps even Gold (and without expecting that QF will comp me if I'm short - that would be a bonus). But at least I know that when I am flying in the future (assuming the QC is still around, of course), I'll always be able to get into it and the HP's.
Considering that I'm 37, that should be quite a number of years hopefully...more than worth the inital amount expended (which once paid, remains a constant cost and tax deductible to boot).
Now if we are going to get onto the financial side
....that's for another post. Time for me to get some rest as I have a busy flying November ahead of me...