The importance of status match is in the eye of the beholder. But in my experience, American NEVER matched status. The most they would do is give you a challenge - three months to accrue a specified number of miles (from flying only) to get either Gold or Platinum. So to me, this is a big change.

AMEX Centurion gives you Gold Elite status with Continental, Delta and US Air. Who knows where USAir will be in 6 months. I too have switched much of my spending to the Merrill+ card until I hit the $50k level. These posts make it even more exciting. Thanks.