the promotion, since discontinued, provided permanent "gold" (now platinum) status without having to ever requalify. you neeeded to make "gold" (actual mileage...no buy-ups) status for 5 consecutive years. I have no idea how many were actually given out before they stopped it. I do know it was tough to get. I had a break in sequence one year (because of the Eastern strike) and they made me recycle. it took me 7 years to get the thing because of that. as service levels improved under Bethune, business improved, and management presumably decided they no longer needed to use such a promotion.