Reaaalllly? Some would interpret your initiative to log on to this board as being a scammer. If an agent offered to break the rules on your behalf to upgrade you, without being prompted, are you going to refuse?

Personally, I am rules driven, but if a good deal falls in my lap, I don't look the gift horse in the mouth.

I will ask a question that might be geared toward bending or even breaking the rules. If the answer comes back as "negative", I cease and desist. I am not sure there is any harm in asking.

I have no problem with the FF food chain. On AA, if I get aced out by an EXP (I am PLT), that is fine; they have earned it. Conversely, I may have to put a footprint on the back of the neck of some hapless GLD. It is survival of the fittest. You know that going in; if you don't, you will know soon enough.

If life has taught me anything, there is a lot of equilibrium out there. Some you win, some you lose. Sometimes you get what you deserve, sometimes you do not. I feel that I have gotten my share of good deals, most within the confines of the rules.

I can't characterize all scams, or scammers, as bad. Some of their actions have likely gotten us all where we are today. I have gotten the "what a scammer!" look when I file into the first-class line at the airport in my blue jeans and running shoes, but I earned the right to be there.

Sometimes you are the windshield, sometimes you are the bug!