There are a lot of discussions if you "need" the SEN-Status.
You have to decide if it is worth 2000 Euros out of your own pocket.

If you missed it by only a few miles you could have done a short trip with the LX Euro Business Saver fares for about 300 to 400 Euro to top up the missing miles, but that oportunity is gone.

You have now 3 choices:

1. Pay for the SEN

2. Go for FTL and requalify later this year. If you miss it by a few miles, just do a quick milage run (e.g. Nice weekend trip) at the end of the year.

3. Go for FTL and change to an other airline/Loyality program

The benefits for me as a SEN are:
- Much more lounges (I can use *A Lounges and not only the LH Lounges)
- Companion Award (that saves a lot of miles), but if you opt for (2.) it should not be a problem.
- Booking guarantee, depends if you have to use it.
- *G Status, goodies on other airlines.


If you opt for (3.) you may change to a different airline or a different Frequent flyer sytem. BMI-Diamond club comes to my mind.

For Awards: Yes Taxes can be quite high, but this is the similar in most european frequent flyer programs