Earlier today I found a fare to visit a friend that, when taking advantage of the AA DEQM would requalify me at Gold by the end of January, and with my PLAT status, earn me like 30,000+ miles (I think it was about 3cpm). However, since I'm not on contract until February, it's kind of risky to just fly halfway across the world with low savings. Was it worth it? Was it not?

SO -I asked a friend for advice, who flat out told me he didn't understand people like (us), and went on to call FF programs horrible because they elevate people and give them priority while sometimes other people get bumped when they're just trying to get somewhere and visit their sick families (what?). He also doesn't get why we waste money on mileage runs when it has no value (even though I explained how I save nearly 1000 a year just in luggage, plus earning tons of double miles which I use to fly other people and myself all over).

So...
that's just my rant.
I'm never asking normal people for flight advice again.
If it weren't for you, FlyerTalk, I think we would all be very lonely.