Ultimately the head start appears to be an acknowledgement that Silver Medallion status is redundant with the Reserve card, so they are making it easy for cardholders to get to Gold Medallion. I had been considering upgrading my Platinum CC to a Reserve CC for the better MQD earning rate, but if I really am going to earn a $2500 head start per card with no spending requirements, it makes much more sense to open a second account and then get a full sign up bonus and second companion certificate upon renewal.