A few years ago I was Plat and then achieved about 69K miles. FB wrote to me and renewed my Plat status as an ex gratia gesture in the following January

They may do the same but I would be inclined to to rely on it. I'd take the cheapest flight possible. Plat renewal is useful, not only for the better mileage accrual in 2011 but also it guarantees you a soft landing to Gold in 2012 if you don't fly much in 2011

nickyboy