I'm diamond with Hilton but I've never had gold or platinum status with SPG since it just hasn't worked out that way with where my work sends me. However I'm having to book 13 night in India next month at an SPG hotel so I figured I would do the challenge.

1. If I sign up for the platinum challenge but don't hit the 18 days will I still get Gold with my 13 days? I believe Gold is 9 days in 3 months?
2. I just signed up for the Amex SPG card and it looks like I got 2 stays and 5 nights. Assuming these won't count since they're not paid correct?

Thanks