My initial reaction to the offer of extended Diamond status at the rate of a year for every 100K MQMs was initially OMG. Having had a chance to think for a few days, I now realize it's not for me. After deducting 125K MQMs for Diamond I would have enough MQMs left to extend status to 2025 and 2026. However, I would be a second class citizen compared to Diamonds who earned it the hard way. I fly enough to where being a notch higher on the upgrade hierarchy makes a big difference. I also value the Choice options, particularly the ability to designate two of my kids as Golds.

So my plan for 2024 is to convert some of my MQMs to MQDs at the new 10:1 ratio. Combined with flights already booked and the Reserve card bonus I am already basically qualified for Diamond by March 15, with some left over for RDM conversion. The pressure is off for the rest of the year, freeing me up to pursue Platinum Pro with AA as well.

I realize this leaves me nothing for the following year, but I think Platinum requalification is well within reach, and I will just have to learn to live at that level after many years of Diamond. Most probably by then Delta will have lost a lot of Diamonds and may be more generous with incentives, so who knows.

So in essence I am turning down Diamond Lite in 2025 and 2026 for proper Diamond in 2025 and proper Platinum in 2026.

Of course YMMV based on your personal goals and objectives