What is the point of is it normal gold status?

There used to be benefits. They weren't much. Then he gradually stripped them away, and still expects people to want gold.

Just a clunky attempt by whoever made this site to monetize it.

Just messaging nowadays. Worth it for me to say hello to a few friends in private after a very long absence from the site.

You can message people now. That's about it right?

Its rubbish

It's only good if you have friends to pm. I don't have any friends at the moment so therefore no gold.

I wish I had it so I could message a friend who is ghosting me.

Being able to exchange private messages.