Not only does it seem to still be a thing, but I see no mention in the new T&C that the beneficiary must be either the spouse or kids of the Platinum status holder as before.

If that's true, and if conditions listed in this document indeed prevail next year, that's a major change. I had subscribed to the Plat Amex earlier this year because I trusted the website stating that you could "grant Plat for 2 to a relative" only to discover that it only worked according to this limitation (written in fine prints in the T&C).

If Plat for 2 is no longer limited this way, it's a nice improvement.