To the original poster ureshii_eric, don't stress over members postings, you will find posting on public forums, that people often share their opinions when they know absolutely nothing about the subject matter, express their personal opinion against topics where they have a strong view even though it's not relevant to the conversation, or seemingly post just to increase their post count - in some cases, it adds to the flavour of the topic
I know that at *city, hotel benefits are (frequently un-promoted) often as high as 60 - 70% discount's, a friend is Gold at Star and frequently takes advantage. You also receive frequent unpublished member offers. There is one high roller level above Gold at *city I am aware of, unsure of its name, but guarantees high rollers access - my ex boss had that...
I have Crown Gold, this is due to excessive consumption of all that Crown has to offer including gambling, restaurants and shopping, all of which I collect status credits that lead to higher Crown status.
I get frequent offers of heavily discounted hotel rooms, guaranteed to be when I don't want a hotel in town, restaurant and show offers, I get free drinks at all private areas except the mahogany room which I do not have access to. There are two levels above Gold at Crown I can obtain, they are Platinum and Black.
Oz_mark is 100% correct in saying that you have to spend $,$$$,$$$.$$ to be invited to the high levels although with Crown, not necessarily on gambling - a buying spree at Versace or Prada could net you higher status in one credit card transaction!
Word of advice - gamble with your head, not heart.
