Another key point: Most airlines consider comps a "once in a lifetime" deal. If they comp you a status, and then you lose it, they probably will never comp you again. (If anyone can contradict this, please post it! Most airlines seem STRICT about this.)

In other words, if an airline has a challenge that you think you will successfully complete, it might be in your best interest to do it. If not, then you can decide whether your 2001 travel will justify the "once in a lifetime" comp.

I wonder if TW and US are still comping people? Hmmmm....