I am not too sure Platinum holds any benefit for me. I was EXP for 12 years, then dropped to PLT for two years, and now been back at EXP for 2 years. This year was absolutely the worst, as in 54 flights so far this year, I am less than 10% in F/J. Several times, I have been
#15 or more on the upgrade list.
If I am going to fly coach next year, Virgin and United fly my common routes direct and I am certainly going to try it.