Originally Posted by GBM.flights

I agree with your concern, but I think the statement of 40'000 is overly simplistic. You ignore the earnings portion.
DC is a great program for C and F earnings. And Y with the American partners.
Terrible for a European Y LH/LX flyer.

Here is a practical demonstration of what i mean above:

Take DC vs M&M, 2 respective Silver members are trying to go for Gold.
They fly mostly Intra Europe LX/LH Mid Y fares (V, G, S, Q, T, W).

DC earns 300 per segment. Gold at 38k. 38'000/300= 127 segments needed for Gold
M&M earns (750+188). Gold at 100K. 100'000/938= 107 segments needed for Gold

So a ~3 times higher threshold for gold requires ~20% less segments than the "easy FFP".

GBM