Long time lurker, first time poster here.

First off, thanks to all of the regulars for your advice on maximizing IC points and bonuses. Thanks to you, my wife and I have enjoyed some wonderful hotel stays at ICs around the globe -- and all for "free". ^

Now for my question -- I'm currently a Platinum Ambassador making a hard run to get over the Royal Ambassador "hump". My Ambassador membership expires in Dec. 2006, and I think I might be getting close to the criteria for RA. My understanding is you need ~50 nights with stays in at least 3 ICs to make it.

On Nov. 30, I'll have hit 49 stays split among ICs (4 different for a total of ~10 nights this calendar year), with the rest at high $$$ CPs in NYC.

A couple of questions for any recently appointed RAs or long-timers who know the ropes:

1) When I read "Dec. 2006" as the expiration date for my Ambassador privileges (on my card and on the website), does that imply Dec. 1 -- and therefore I'm screwed being at 49 nights -- or do I have until Dec. 31 to get over the top?

2) I've received an email and letter inviting me to renew my Ambassador membership for $100 by Dec. 31 (suggestive of expiration?), but honestly think I would punt on this if I'm not going to make RA. However, would renewing help with getting the status?

3) What's the best way for me pull the slot machine handle with IC to see if they'll give me the status? Call the Ambassador hotline? Send an email to Ambassador Services? On Dec. 1? On Nov. 30?

4) Have I become obsessed with IC because of the "good old days" when you could pile on the 10K bonuses, and probably need to throw in the towel and go back to Starwood?

Any and all advice from the pros would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
"Beantown RA wannabe"