Fair call.
I "retired to Thailand" at age 55.
Having smoked for 30+ years (quit for 13 years now) and earlier indulged in booze & soft drugs, didn't know how many years were left in the tank.
The yearly extension makes sense.
If you have a partner, do not waste the money on 10 year elite.
Put the cash in a separate account and work it down each year. Hopefully she can access the account (legally) when you leave our mortal coil.
She won't see any refund from a elite visa.????????