We fly J. But business is always variable. Right now, it's in a big lull. Last year was my best year ever. So sometimes (such as this year) I might do a spend to get to SE. Looks like that would have to be the case this year. I anticipate a better year next year as the US volatility perhaps/hopefully winds down.

Why chase 2mm (70,000 away) when all it will give me in slow years in Zone 2? Why shift to a model in which attaining status gives me the opportunity to chase benefits, rather than actually receiving those benefits?