This can definetly be a game changer for certain people's flying habits, provided that this becomes an official program that is promoted. I assume that AC will eventually promote this program and that they are doing things the way they are to make the lifetime program seem more exclusive (i.e. secret), at least in the short term.

I was SE for a few years and have now dropped to Elite. By the end of the summer I'll requalify for Elite next year. It looks I might be doing much more flying in the fall than I had previously planned. I was thinking of obtaining low-tier status with UA or DL (using my Elite card to access *A lounges or my Amex card to access DL lounges), but now I still have incentive to fly AC and credit miles to Aeroplan.

I wonder how many other people will be tempted to stop attaining status on multiple airlines if AC has the potential of lifetime status.

On another note, Andrew, do you know if lifetime status will be awarded for people who earn a lot of segments, but not miles?