Originally Posted by
rdchen
Elite re-qualification period runs Jan. 1 - Dec 31, i.e. you need 25 stays before the end of 2011, not the end of Feb., which is the status expiration date.
I think what bbbb is saying is that he or she will just sit out 2011 and wait until 2012, then make 25 stays by the end of Feb., thereby earning immediate status for the remainder of 2012, plus 2013.
If a Diamond is just mattress running to keep status (for whatever reason), and there is not a good promo prior to the end of 2011, it's a pretty solid strategy.
Spend that same money after Jan. 1, be immediately elevated to Diamond for the balance of 2012, plus the following year -- without any gap in status.