Well, the Barcelona turn-around to get status was described in
the largest Norwegian newspaper, Aftenposten in March, so I would think that the surprise was somewhat subdued. The Prague variant is also decribed.
(Perhaps some of the posters in this thread are among those interviewed?)
I had booked that trip/MR as well, but cancelled the trip as soon as I was told that a reporter would join in on the trip to write an article about it... :P
Also I don't quite agree with the angle the reporter has on the article. At least for me it's not just about the points and long haul C/F around the globe, and a better status with the airline. I'm also in it for the trip it self. Sitting on a plane, watching the view of the earths curvature, preferably with a glass of champagne or maybe a beer, is just wonderful in it self. The points and the status... for me it's just the excuse that makes it economically doable.