Just a wee update on this.....
I took the plunge last week to link my EC account to our corporate account as my points year was to end Feb 6th ish and I had 465 pts and no chance of getting to 500.
Certainly looks like it has done the trick. My pts balance is zeroed and my membership year is now Dec 2001 to Dec 2002.
I guess that means I retain silver until December which is a relief. I should be able to requalify with 400 pts on domestic segments this year if the economy picks up. If not, I have no need for a silver card anyway!!
One query...my card expires in March - I presume they just send me a new one?