I was always one to two levels ahead in SQD than SQM/S (until I hit the 75-SE chasm) so the latter determined my status, and now with the new VIP it has flipped, and I sit and wait to see what my SQD level is. Would have loved a lower SQD for sure instead, but looking at other programs, it is really becoming about the $$.
DW avoids multiple connections like the plague these days unless we have a very open schedule which is basically never. She has had 35/50k level spend past 2 years, but has missed even lowly 25.
Regional flying with short lead times are a terrible benefit to $ ratio in the elite game.