Whilst accepting part of your position (smart travellers can get status relatively cheaply due to the definitions used by AA) , perhaps the word "scam" is a bit strong? It literally means the traveller is deliberately engaging in a dishonest scheme; a fraud; swindling the other party...which is not the case since the traveller is abiding by the rules set by the airline (however anomalous).

Some on FT are vocal when folk either don't follow the rules or expect the airline to bend the rules in certain circumstances: herein a case of abiding by the rules yet being judged dishonest. A little harsh perhaps?

Where do you draw the line - is flying the full 16 sector quota of a DONE4 a scam? What about buying extra flights during a double status credit offer? What about a status match to Avianca Brasil for Star Gold with no intention of ever using the airline? What about joining Virgin Accelerate to get Pilot Gold and easily get full Gold membership? What about linking hotel loyalty to airline loyalty?

All such opportunities offer faster track to airline status at less than the cost of status fully earned through purchasing actual tickets from the airline directly in Australia and all without cheating on the rules.

And what of diverting loyalty to AA once reaching QF Lifetime Gold and still expecting lounge access per QF Gold status?