I need 1500 miles to requalify for gold. I am considering a MR from EWR/LGA (any suggestions?), but without even knowing where I'm going, I am guessing it will cost me ~$150. It's a big hassle, but I may be willing to do it in order to keep my status.
Nevertheless, my thinking is that, as usual, CO will offer me to pay $$ to buy the gold status next year. I don't know how they price these offers, but if it's for ~$200 or so, maybe it's worth it. Doing so will save me the hassle and the time of the MR (min 5 hours, inc. everything), and that alone is worth more than $50. Any thoughts or experience? How much did they charge last year for someone in a similar situation?