If you are wedded to AMEX, then some of the suggestions above do not work.

Question is: If you do not fly much, it is no big thing not to get a free "lowlevel" elite status with an airline.

If you still are determined, then you might call (write) AMEX. They comp corporate clients top management team in airline programs often to status level regardless of air travel frequency. Perhaps they might do the same thing for you?