I just got something from American that their qualifying points per mile accounting will change in 2004. The email also says that:

"This more generous point structure means that all AAdvantage elite levels can be attained more quickly. And, the great news is that members who would have earned a higher elite status or retained their current status under the new points qualification guidelines (based on their 2003 flight activity) will be awarded that higher status for the 2004 membership year. Members will receive their credentials at the beginning of the new membership year in March 2004."

Does this mean that if I succeeded in my Gold challenge that I might actually be Platinum (which I would have made under the new qualifying miles system)?