"Close enough" is not "good enough" for me, and I really value the E status, so a MR with an overnight stay in Vancouver, a lovely city, is not that much of self-punishment. I will also get to fly again on the new Embraerer aircraft, enjoy the lounges and get more points on Amex Plat to be cancelled soon. While in YVR, I will be staying at my favourite Pacific Palisades Hotel paying the "hot rate" (their term) of $116 plus taxes, get a 20% discount in their fancy restaurant Zen and earn 10x Starpoints on my Scotia Visa Gold for all hotel charges. As an added benefit, I have no wife to scream at me upon my return home - how much $$$ is that worth? May I have another glass of champagne, please?