So far mine (the GO ones) are slightly bended after numerous travels, so it seems to be holding up well. Ironically, it was bended after it traveled on Air China rather than the CX flights.

A new set is indeed provided upon re-qualifying. And indeed, they still bend, but don`t break anymore.

After "enjoying" GO for close to two months, I got a call from MPC an hour ago. The agent told me that I was promoted back to DM. It was a very pleasant surprise. I think I deserve to wait until I complete my requalification, but she even thanked me to be such a loyal customer. I am actually already happy as a GO. I am indeed grateful (and spoiled by CX).:)

I believe MPC (and perhaps CX reservation too) does monitor customers closely.

cxfan1960 Is there anything to do with being CX Moderator on FlyerTalk? :P

I don't know. I did not disclose to MPC, but it is possible that they figured out if they went through the trouble of checking my flight activities with my posts.

There is no reason for them to afford me better treatment because I am a mod. If so, they could simply let me keep my DM when I requested for extension, or get me an INV instead. They could probably guess I would be able to make my way back to DM anyway.

Did your current flight pattern indicate a pickup in your flying at the rate of an average 10,000 miles/mth?

I was grounded in the beginning of the year. I did not fly for three months until late April. There is not enough flying pattern on the average miles/month, but I am quite certain that I shall hit the 120K mark by June.

I don't mind staying in Gold. Don't get me wrong. I do like F lounge accesses. I do like op-ups, although I am a strong believer in "if I don't pay for it, I should not be entitled to it". What I like most about being a DM are last minute bookings (I did a few <72 hr bookings) and a much higher chance to redeem awards.

I think this is a good example of how CX uses different criteria to work out who is a "real" frequent flyer and extend benefits to them.

Maybe cxfan1960 is unto something. When I was promoted to GO, at only 51K, I did three long-haul travels in 2 months (48K just on those 3 trips), I always suspect that was the primary reason why I was promoted early. It wasn't just maintaining but promoting from SL as well.