Hmmm, interesting advice BenSyd. I've made sure to get a "B" class ticket for one full leg, which having done all my research, I think will send me straight to Platinum (given I'm flying Milan-Heathrow-Singapore-Brisbane).

And the reason I was going to keep accruing credits to gain Silver was because there's a good chance I might also go on to qualify for Gold (if I only attribute one long haul flight to AA that is). Is there really no point even trying to get from Bronze to Silver? I've never tried to get an upgrade using points, but I thought I had absolutely no chance of getting an upgrade whilst Bronze? Any thoughts greatly appreciated!!