Chatted with affable chap at AAdvantage customer service and after extended time on phone had it straightened out. Seems they had me starting a Gold challenge on May 1 and the PLAT on May 16, even though I had no travel skedded in May. I had originally signed up for the challenges on May 20. He agreed it made no sense that I would have retroactively started the challenges at times when I wasn't flying. New card to reflect PLAT through 2/06 supposedly on the way in 3-5 weeks. Moral of the story, as propounded by Jdiver: Trust no one, or at least no one at AA to ensure your status.