[off topic]
Originally Posted by
VH-RMD
....use my planned MH flights over xmas/NY to do an AA plat challenge and then aim the QR gold again.....
IMH Unless you book as an AA codeshare (AA flight number) MH marketed flights (MH flight number) are not eligible for the AA challenge (my underlining)
From
http://flyerguide.com/index.php/Challenge_%28AA%29
UPDATE: As of February 2014, US flights as well as flights marketed and operated by certain partners will also be eligible to earn points that count toward the completion of a Challenge: British Airways, Iberia, Japan Airlines and Qantas. (Cathay Pacific is notably missing.) The specific language from the challenge confirmation says "And now you have more opportunities to complete your Challenge because points earned on qualifying flights on American Airlines, American Eagle, the AmericanConnection® carrier, British Airways, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Qantas and their eligible codeshare flights count toward your Challenge."
[/offtopic]