Originally Posted by
duke2013
We are pleased to grant you 2012 Premier Gold status, based on your activity with your current frequent flyer program. Your credentials should arrive in 4-6 weeks and are valid through January 31, 2013.
I think this is how they're indicating that they made an exception. Did you send your statement or just your card? They may only advertise the challenge program so as not to get people negotiating for a match instead of a challenge but will grant matches to applicants who meet certain conditions. I'm wondering if there were travel patterns on your statement that made you particularly appealing.