Considering that IB+ runs from 1 April until 31 March for status purposes, it's very hard to argue that people didn't have at least 11-11.5 months to complete the Elite Points required. Platinos have two years...

Whether or not BA, IB, etc.should be extending status anyhow is a separate question. I think it's the right thing to do, but IAG will soon find out whether it matters. They still may feel good about having the Madrid to South America and London to everywhere business markets locked up.