I’d started collecting Avios years ago with little interest or idea what I might do with them.

What got me interested in Avios/BAEC (and FFPs and hotel schemes generally) was a succession of nights in hotels away on business with nothing better to do than read the small print of various loyalty schemes! I travel much less on business than I used to but might cling onto my BAEC status, and if I do, FT BAEC can take the credit/blame.