Maybe a gift from Frontier's notoriously bad IT?
Spending more to extend status through next year is now an option, though it's supposed to cost more.
From the offer terms:
Update from May 31, 2023: Standard pricing of $299 for the Elite 20K challenge ($199 for the first 1,000 members to purchase under this rate) will receive elite status valid until December 31, 2023. Upon earning 10,000 elite qualifying miles, the member will qualify for extended status until December 31, 2024. Members who purchased the challenge offer under the original offer of $80 with a 5,000 elite qualifying miles requirement may be eligible to upgrade to the new challenge requirements for an additional fee.