I've also put something along these lines into every feedback form I have had from QFF about the program, and what they might do better. Hoping that one day they might pay attention to it!
Out of curiosity, and given your closeness to broader loyalty program structures - are you aware of any carrier loyalty program (or perhaps a hotel chain program) which does offer a similar kind of leg-up for LT members to pursue a higher level of status like we're talking about here, or would QFF be breaking the mold on this, if they tried it?
Cheers,
Matt.