Originally Posted by
ubernostrum
I would be wary of trying a challenge; one never knows when AA will decide that existing US elites are ineligible.
True, though if they take away the challenges, you'd still be eligible for the buy up. The FAQ explicitly says that you'll be offered a new status buy-up opportunity after they combine the programs.
I don't expect this makes sense for anyone who isn't doing the full, $1199 buy up, though.