I have a similar question, about getting Silver (Feb 15th or March 15th, depending on my CC spending).
Flying to Europe on March 17th and back on April 8th via YVR. I want to use my silver RU for this trip (ideally for the return leg YVR-AKL) because my next long haul might already be with GOLD.
Q1: If I get Silver on March 15th, it means no chance for RU on my first leg?
Q2: If I get Silver in Feb, is it better to apply for RU for the first leg? Ideally, prefer to fly PE on the way back, but don't want to waste my Silver RU when I get GOLD status.