guv1976 Good call on Iberia - I think that would be an acceptable alternative. It's really about the BA free seat selection at booking, fast check-in, fast-track and lounges, which I think are all Sapphire benefits.

Geordie405 How would you do the creative routing and maintain over 2,000 miles per flight?

VSLover AA SFO-JFK transcon used to be my move, together with one business class trip to Europe via London. No business travel to Europe any more...

Confus I think you over-estimate my attractiveness to GGLs

FWIW I did once get the 4 flight requirement waived - I'd flown a lot on American that year, plus one business class return on BA and a few reward flights. I wrote them a letter and they let me off with two BA flights.