On past times, they have offered to buy up the balance to keep the status, doesn't mean they would do the same this year, who knows. However, the cost involved is kinda high, with 4 months left in the year, why don't you just do a short run? I mean you seem to be thinking of buying up the balance. Not knowing where you are starting from, but there have been some fares that have been < $100 that can give at least double the amount of miles needed.