This is my first year at Silver after several of coming very close (last year I rearranged a business trip to the US to bring the return leg to within my membership year). I have been enjoying the lounge access and occasional upgrade - but it doesn't look like I will make the renewal what with reduced business travel and tighter expense policies.

What's this story/rumour about some people being allowed to retain their Gold or Silver cards despite not getting enough TP? I would have thought that with the Downturn there are going to be a lot of people flying less and losing their status - so it's in BA's interest to try to retain their loyalty during the bad times.