I read an article in the NY Times last week about airline elite status addiction! I have been an Aeroplan member since 1984. I have been flying >100 K since 1997 (currently 1,826,269 lifetime AQM). Up until 2009 my business gave the opportunity to make SE easily. I have often used mileage runs in the last 6 years to ensure that I hit 100K - The addiction theme really hit home with me.

I am ambivalent about continuing to feed my addiction.

But ... I do like to board first when I am in economy so I can easily get overhead bin access, I do like to be asked first what meal I prefer, I do like the in-charge to make personal contact with me, I do like almost always getting upgrades (w/o co-pay) I request and some that I do not, I do like having access to support - luggage & concierge to address issues, I do like getting classic AP reward levels & no international surcharges.

Will I allow my addiction to drive me to spend $10,000 more annually than I normally would be spending? Will I keep at it till I hit 3 million AQM.

Probably not! Will bow out after 2M AQM and seek solace in other things ... or not. That is the thing with addiction - you don't want to give up the buzz.