Sounds to me like the Gold Challenge will work for you, although sounds like you'll make it without that.

Another benefit, which I was surprised to find out, is that you get Gold bonus points for renting with National Rental Car. Not to mention 25% bonus points when flying. Plus, if you have to fly coach, they'll try to leave the seat next to you empty (which on my last 5 flights didn't work because they were packed). I, too, love being in Group 1 for boarding.