Yes, we're anatomically quite different!

I was trying to type an answer to you, but, my computer totally froze up, and I had to reboot!

When you're flying during 2017, you're earning status for the balance of that year, and the entire next program year, so, any flying you did last year during 2017 is for the 2018 program year, and that status will last throughout 2018, til Jan 31, 2019.

So . . . . .

During the SkyMiles Program <earning> year, which is, let's say, Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2017, as soon as you fly enough and spend enough <or Amex charge enough> to hit Platinum level, you get 1 choice benefit that you hafto choose by Jan 31, 2019

During the SkyMiles Program <earning> year, which is, let's say, Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2017, as soon as you fly enough and spend enough <or Amex charge enough> to hit Diamond level, you get 3 additional choice benefits that you hafto choose by Jan 31, 2019

I don't think I can break it down any more than that. Does that help'ya any?