Thanks everyone. I shan't do anything. I was able to select seats for both my upcoming trips while I am still Silver, after all.

I only asked because a friend who is Bronze has twice had his status extended (including this year) without reaching the level for renewal and without asking But, of course, the bar is much lower for Bronze.

I had, in fact, planned to give up on BA and have used over half my total points in the last few months. But booking the First Class Australia flight made me think to myself that I might have one last push to get back to Gold and that if BA let me retain Silver that would be an incentive.. But I shan't bother and will now use up what points I have or shall soon have for reward flights. My Platinum Status in Skyteam is more important for my needs.and I can retain that easily (indeed, for life, after this year and next).

PS I'm way off 600 points by the way, and the points I do have were earned on AA. I have booked a short-haul business return flight at the beginning of September because the 720 points I'll earn from the Oz trip woulln't get me back to Silver without an additional return flight.on BA.