Well, when a general member tries to qualify Gold membership, it's not easy. Considering other major airlines only need 25000/30000 miles to qualify the lower elite membership, CI's standard is high. Once a member reach the gold card, a member only needs fly 55000 miles in two years (ideally 27500 miles a year). So, I think the requalification is easier than obtains gold membership. Sometimes, providing some promotions can be a way to keep potential customers. (like UA and AA provide DEQM early this year.)

However, the truth is that the gold membership is almost nothing. :-: Now, the best benefit of gold card is accessing to C class lounge. For me, it doesn't matter since I only fly C with CI. For coach class passengers, gold members cannot even choose front aisle seat for free. I guess I won't try to keep my gold membership, and I will just simply shift my buisness to Cathay or *A partners.