Alright, so even though I thought I read it right, seems I didn't quite get it... (dope). CX (strategically) didn't give you the scenario example of "Membership expires in (Nov/Dec) 25". I removed my FF from my previously planned renewal flight combo so that I can put in into 2026 instead of my 2025 buckets. Therefore, on 1 Dec 2025, my membership dropped down to Green. Overall though I think I am better off as I will almost surely have enough SP in '26 to get to Gold in '27. I might even make Gold under the current programme, perhaps.

Now I have 6 J's to retro credit in 2026. If I read this again correctly (?) this time, these will retro credit into the existing programme rules up until my "renewal date" of 30 Nov 2026, which means my status points will reset at 300, but will fully count for 2027 new membership tier status (rather than applying under the new rules within 2026).
So now it becomes a retro credit stategy, as it seems optimal to submit out of order. I have in chonological order 75,75,70,45,45,60 and 20 SC points coming on Dec 31st. If I submit CX (75+75), and then 2 of my QR (70+60) on Jan 1st, I can get to 300 exaclty -- assuming I can claim parts of my QR group separately. I would then submit my other two QR. That should work, right? How long does QR retroclaim take? I need to wait fully for the first two to credit before sending in the other two flights?