2013 brings with it the sad prospect of dropping from SE down to... virtually nothing. Due to a new, more local job, I've totalled a grand sum of 31,500 Status Miles in 2012 to date. Now I'm stuck with a dilemma... I need to fly YYZ-YVR in November, and Air Canada seems to want about $900 these days for a Tango+ flight. That would take me to over 35,000 points and give me this new watered down Elite class. Alternatively, I could just fly on points (which I have lots of) and purchase the $500 "American Express AeroplanPlus Platinum Card" which I keep seeing advertised. That is a lot of money to fork over for a credit card, but I get 50,000 points and what seems to be a few good benefits? In fact it almost looks better than this new Elite class in some ways. Thoughts?