Correct (at least that is what they've done before), but I'm not trying to actually earn Gold...I'd never make it. From reading on FT, though, it seems like if you happen to get the right person on the phone, you can get a "challenge" where they will upgrade you to the next level if you stay x nights in 90 days or some similar time frame (regardless of your total night count for the past 12 months). I know it's usually reserved for people coming from the higher ranks in other programs, so I'm not optimistic, but it can't hurt to ask...