After having flown UA for 6 years I decided to switch to American this year. The fact that our corporate travel folks cut a better discount deal with AA also had something to do with this decision.

Being a UA 1K I was comped to Platinum in July and hence my AA travel began. Now at the end of the year I find myself in the following situation

My Plat. Status expires 2/04.
Since July I accumulated the following:
YTD Elite Qualifying Points: 23,924
YTD Elite Qualifying Miles: 27,646
YTD Qualifying Segments: 46
It appears that I will only be a GOLD starting in March 04.

I can easily fly 10,000 miles during any 3 month period so here are my questions for the experts.

When can I go for the Plat. Challenge?
Is there a way to convince AA to keep me at Plat. given my travel activity in 6 months of 2003? If so who should I call?
Any other suggestions?

Thanks for all your help.