VHF Flyer:
Here in Boston (depending upon your outlook, it could be a sweaty old colony or not
), if you are flying steerage and don't have status, then checking in could mean 30-45 minute wait at peak times.
If you have Gold status and/or a club card, just stroll directly to the club and at worst you have a 2 minute wait to check in.
I don't know what airlines you've been flying, but my status sure helped me.