No, you are mistaken. Having the card does not give you instant buddy pass. Upon approval you gain 40,000 miles which is a huge bump and minimum spend helps you

No, you are mistaken. Having the card does not give you instant buddy pass. Upon approval you gain 40,000 miles which is a huge bump and minimum spend helps you reach the required miles to apply for preferred and the buddy pass which expires annually / end of dec 31st so you see people churn it right in December so benefits apply/start in January and have a year of access.