My wife came to me with a similar idea. She wanted to be the beta tester for the new American Express Gladitor Card.

She pictured herself shopping at Harvey Nicks from the early hours, then strolling down Sloane Street, dropping into this or that boutique. After a quick lunch at The Square, she was going to try the mighty new card down Old Bond Street, after which she was going to hop into a pre-arranged car to head out to LHR to test the 'premium travel products' offered by the card. After a first class flight to HKG, she was going to surprise the Peninsula (and Gladiator Card Services) with a rush check-in to a Royal Imperial Suite.

Naturally, she would have to pay nothing for the privilege and would write a comprehensive report for American Express, pointing out the various difficiencies of the card.

I told her that they probably wouldn't go for it!