Well I used to visit 1-2 times a year when based in Bangkok 2005-7. Usually I had some complex AMEX promo to try and merge with what was then the unlisted Gold ‘birthday award’ benefit (50% award tix) - in those days it was actual birthday month +/- 1.

Did get to know a key person managing ROP Golds. Whether that relationship materially helped I cannot prove, but I managed to get almost all of my travel plans pulled together well. I did also drop a few kiwi gifts to the team when I dropped in (personal expense, not work).

I am sure things will have changed for the worse over time …