Wow, many years ago, I started a thread which simply asked why was it necessary to actually fly the routes on a mileage run... why couldn't one simply declare the ticket value null and earn the MQMs... allowing DL to pocket the money paid for the ticket and still fill the empty seat, if there was a demand for it. Essentially, this would allow one to buy the status level they desired and not have to actually fly the BIS miles. This concept was so contrary to what everyone had grown to believe that it was rather angrily considered to be absurd by many who responded.
So where are we today? Double MQM promotions, another possible 30K MQMs from your Reserve card.... so once again, why does one actually have to fly the MR?