Like the OP, I had status for over 20 years and fell short of the MM mark because of COVID and a few absurd fares on UA that caused me to book else where. Anyway, now when we book with miles I just pay for the E+ seats to make sure I have what I want. Just a fact of life. Pre-COVID I did consider doing a few TPACs just for BIS miles but my brain took over and said no way.....