Wayyy to early in the year to be considering this!

I'd revisit come October / November time.

Plus, as one OP just noted, surely you'd be better off time-wise and monetarily by re-qualifying with stays rather than nights?

I also think the idea of getting 3 rooms as a cat 1 or cat 2 hotel and using points & cash would be great value for money and a nice fast track way to achieve your status.