I actually got out of bronze status little by little...by doing discount economy fares. Most of the travel was for leisure, with some for work.
I started off with Qantas Club Bronze, then I did a few RTW tours. These were within a year of each other, and every year, I would miss out on Silver by about 25-50 SCs. But, I flew a RTW business trip, a leisure trip to BNE from ADL return and had a long haul business fare. With the long haul business fare (one way), that put me over to Silver, and I had a few trips after that. It takes a bit of a push to 'jump up' the level, but once you have it, it is easier. A bit like paying the $297 joining fee (the most expensive luggage tags you'll ever buy) for the QC club, but after that, the membership drops from $614 to about $317 for one year.
But that was about 3 years ago. I've still kept my status, and the great thing is, once you qualify, you get to hold it (if you time it right) for nearly two years. I qualified for Silver and was due for my next 'check up' a year and a half away. Since then, I've gone up a bit.
Once you get the higher status, it is actually easier to hold on to than 're-qualify'. You have to keep flying (obviously), but it is a damn sight easier to hold 300 SCs per year than 350 to qualify for Silver, and 600 as opposed to 700 for Gold.
I seem to remember an earlier post, where I recommended the QC to you. Believe me, if you can afford it, (and I know it's expensive), but sometimes, esp. for me recently - you get into LAX or LHR and your body is screaming because of the jet lag / tiredness. You just want a shower, a comfy chair and a big drink. And you can get all three in the QC or a partner lounge. Believe me, it has saved me. At that point in time, when you just don't care anymore, you're glad for the QC lounges and your membership. You're glad you can check-in within 5 minutes while everyone else is in economy. The QC lounges are my peace and quiet before boarding.
Like the time I got into PER at 1600 one day, and there was a MASSIVE check in for the plane. I was a QC bronze member, sauntered up to the QC counter, checked in, and you could feel the waves of envy and the evil stares as I strolled on by !
BTW - if you are a QC member (and everyone, please correct me if I am wrong) - you should get priority waitlisting above other members (but obviously not above higher members, e.g. silver,gold,plat)