Starwood Preferred Guest - VIP Invites

Hey everyone, first time writer long time reader...
hehehehh :D

Anyhow, I was inquiring about Starwood VIP status, and got the following response.
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Please note, Platinum is the most elite level our members can earn. The VIP membership is an invitation only level offered by the Senior Corporate and Divisional Management of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. If in the future you are selected to be offered a VIP membership by the Senior Corporate and Divisional Management of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, you will be notified.
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Has anyone actually been invited for VIP membership? If so, could you enlighten us with your stay activity which might have flagged you as VIP?

Also - I had read in another thread about a targeted promo for staying 60 nights with xyz period of time. Did that actually work out for anyone...

And finally....
What are the real benefits to VIP status?

I've looked through the "uber-super status" threads and most of that stuff is nonsense anyhow.

Has anyone actually been invited for VIP membership?

yes.

Details would outstanding.....

have you tried a Search? william (a.k.a., "Starwood Lurker") has posted ad nauseum on this Topic.

next...

Per one of William's previous comments:

"We don't invite to VIP based upon how much you stay with us. You have to be invited by Senior Executives of the company and it has to go through an approval process even then."

FYI - The thread that discussed the 60 night promo for VIP status was posted on April 1st and thus is something that only a fool should believe... :D

Here is a thread with all the details on the VIP status.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=416664&highlight=VIP