Originally Posted by bombo
i) Is there a way to quickly get an extra 4k into my EC account?
Wait just over two weeks then you can buy 4k more. No other routes are likely to be that quick.
ii) Given the actual monetary spend on this trip, is it worth asking for an ex-gratia award of 4k miles to enable me to do the above or is there simply no chance?
Very unlikey but if you are Gold with a couple of flights booked in advance and showing on MMB you might be in with a (slim) chance.