I think the key word when talking about status wrt to research is “prestige”. Just about everyone submitting to Nature I’m sure legitimately wants to share their knowledge and get feedback. But I’m sure they’re also really hoping they get this Nature publication accepted and that it gets cited because that’s a form of social status that is very good for their career (and hey honestly for most people I’m sure it makes them feel important, accomplished, and respected, too, all of which I would argue are at least partially social status).

I do agree with you that not everything is accurately described just by social status, but it does explain a surprising amount human behavior, at least for me.