bts09 - I will definitely check back in with updates. The 40K purchased posted in less than 12 hours. Waiting on the SPG, but my guess is that will show up after midnight. I'm definitely spoiled by this event - not having to worry about EQMs - but as I said, it will actually work out the way AA wants because I rarely flew them before and now I'll be buying/flying a lot, albeit hoping for upgrades much of the time. Indeed, I have over 1.8MIL unused AA miles, the few I used having been for employee trips. I will, however, be taking a couple of F-class trips somewhere warm before summer arrives, I assure you

mclejc - That is something I didn't realize at all - thank you! I assumed that the system would see I am Plat automatically and attempt my upgrades when the 72 hour window hits. I will call to tell them to update my reservations to reflect my new status (hopefully in a few days).

bostom - Hey, no apologies, you are just a realist. I do think, however, that maybe your experience isn't quite the norm if you are mainly flying business-competitive routes. Or maybe it is the norm, but won't match my expected usage pattern. I will be using AA a lot out of DEN and ORD, from there, often to WAS or MIA. Not exactly "off the path", but also not likely as crowded with EXPs as strict east-coast business corridor routes either. Even if I wind up with an overall success rate of 50%, in advance or at the gate, I'd be thrilled (esp considering the means of acquiring my status). Your further thoughts appreciated.