I find it very strange that the cutoff is in the middle of the year. EBD member ship numbers will then start quite low and increase to double digits within 12 months from launch when they do it this way. (Maybe that's what they are looking for; create "press release material" on growth and how successful the new level is.)

However, I don't spend too many calories on it. Can't say the possibility to give away a EBG card makes EBD something I would be point hunting for. If this is the case, both trips and EB points no matter metal counts, then I will qualify eventually anyways but I can't say it's something I see any obvious benefits qualifying for.