Ugh, this really is so frustrating.
I was just about to sign up for the Platinum Elite challenge, but at this point, on principle I don't think I will. Why pay $240 (when I'm already gold) plus pay a ton of $$$ for expensive flights to reach the platinum challenge, when they are basically giving status away for free. Now I'm inclined to just let status drop on AA and see if I can buy back Gold for cheaper in 2014, or do one of these non-elite challenges when they come along. Argh--frustrating!