I agree it's kind of tacky.

And it may not work unless you fly enough during 2007 so that when you fax in your statements that they see enough activity to warrant status (in other words, I think they are more likely to match elite status earned the hard way, than elite status that wasn't earned).

Your better option if you end up with too few miles is to contact OP and ask for them not to downgrade you.

But the best option is to get renewed by flying enough segments. If you think your travel will be light this year, it gives you a whole year's opportunity to do MRs.