As I said earlier in this thread and in other threads, my confidence level that Plat Pro will be available for 2016 qualifiers has jumped dramatically.

Thanks to this post: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/27492810-post110.html

Here is the relevant text from: https://elite.americanairlines.com/eliterenewal/faq.cfm
The obvious question is if you are at 75k EQM or 90 EQS, stay at Platinum (don't take a boost or renewal offer), would you get it automatically or will AA ask for some cost? I believe AA will offer it with little to no cost. If you are below 75k EQM or 90 EQS, but within the noted thresholds, then this fee may or may not be attractive to gain the key benefits (the free e500 upgrades and priority and RDM accrual).

In any case, there will definitely be Plat Pros in early 2017 and at least for 2017, a method without EQD will be available. If you are close, I can't see anyone saying that it won't be worth it to try and get to 75k EQM or 90 EQS.

Obviously, I wish AA had made this announcement much earlier, but I hope it benefits some folks.

Rasheed