your mail doesn't say where you're based, whether Edi or LHR. right... options:

1. take out Amex Platinum. cost is an annual sub £230 but for that, you get BD lounge access, servisair lounge access (via Priority Pass) and annual travel insurance for travel outside the uk. works a treat.

2. post your own itins on the flyer talk forum under "itinaries" and tell us when you're in Edi or Lhr and if other flyer talks are around, we could take you in with us as a guest. happy to invite you, myself, if our trips co-incide.

3. take a mileage run. lot of hassle, in my opinion, plus the wife and kids would moan (a lot) if i disappeared simply to get status on an airline!

4. time your airport arrivals such that you have no time to access the lounge. use the cash saved rom not having to biuy lounge access to go to the local off licence to stock up on miniatures which you then scoff at your leisure.

hope this helps... welcome to flyer talk, by the way!
Gordon