This has been a tough year to be loyal to Continental. Have been silver for several years, with almost all domestic nonstops out of Houston (one of the hardest way to earn EQMs). My employer travel policies often require me to get special exectptions to fly CO over other carriers, so I feel like I make monthly efforts to actively choose CO. As a silver I have only received ONE EUA (actually at checkin) all year--about 5% odds for possible flights compared to 75% last year. I have had to travel more than usual this year, over 41,936 EQM. I could push another work trip in the next 2 weeks, but would still need a mileage run to Make Gold. I know there would be better benefits to gold, but I just feel worn out with all the travelling and planning. Trying to scheme for 8000 more EQM is just too much. Should I pick a different Skyteam partner to build on next year?