Originally Posted by GM1985

Congratulations on your OH's impending retirement!

In answer to this question above, I'd say potentially that may be a better way for you to go. Much of your planned travel in the coming months appears to be European short haul. Is that typical? If so, shopping around for the best deal across BA/FR/U2 and charter airlines (paying for lounge access, priority boarding, seat selection etc) may be better value.

How often do you plan to fly in retirement? And how often on BA/OneWorld airlines? Do you plan on much (or any?) long haul travel? Do you foresee much business class travel? Your plans here will determine whether Silver has enough value for you or not.

Of course, if you have enough travel that you can optimise it with decent priced CE fares to attain Silver, go for it and see for yourself if it has value (just don't get sucked on to the status treadmill if it doesn't work for you!)