I think that we have narrowed down what we want to do. Strategically, it is a bit broader than just choosing MBs.

With our flying and AmEx Reserve spending, Mrs YYJ_SLF can probably get to 140,000 SQC by the end of 2026. She would grant E35K and E50K status, accumulate 4 PRs to be split across a family of four and choose AP points for the rest of her MB choices. Beyond 140,000 SQC, she will focus her cc spending on a CIBC dividend card even if we are below the 25,000 SQC cap unless we have unexpected travel when the 3x points multiplier on AC fares is still attractive.

I think that I should be able to get to 200K SQC, with a year of banked SE with diminished value than previously, and also grant E35K and E50K status. I will choose SQC when I can and AP points when I can't to get to 200K SQC. I should also be able to focus my cc spending on my CIBC dividend card below the 25,000 SQC cap.

I am sure that many, or most, AP members pay far less attention to the program structure than I do but I think that AC have created some perverse incentives for some who pay a lot of attention to the details.

2027 is likely to be a less intensive travel year than 2026 so I expect that we will both try to stop at 140,000 SQC and redirect cc spending away from our respective AmEx Reserve cards further below that 25,000 SQC cap.

For us, there is a SQC benefit cap at 140,000 SQC if we do not have a viable path to 200,000 SQC