Has anyone tried getting their status matched to AA through either Delta Silver or Continental/Star Alliance Silver?
AA doesn't status match, they'll just let you enroll in a challenge. I've heard of them granting status at the beginning of a challenge (based on the "I'm willing to complete the challenge, but you can't expect me to fly without status" argument).
If you were not elite when you booked but become elite prior to traveling do you receive elite benefits for your trip?
Yes, you'll have benefits available as soon as you become elite. So you can change your seat assignment to a "premium" seat.
