AA comped me to PLT based on documented DL Gold Medallion status (DL's 50K level) and a note from my travel agent that I would switch (true). This was in spring 1998. There was no corporate deal. My 1998 AA travel up to then was zero.

Aside to DrHowser: You didn't get comped. You earned EXP fair and square, based on the new rules that let you qualify by segments or miles (both, in your case) instead of points.