Not only am I new to this board, but I am new also to Flying. I doubt 3 previous flights over 40 years counts for much of anything. So your advice is very much welcome!

Just started flying last November and now I find myself flying to or from China every month. I have taken huge advantage of AC China Flight passes and hope to do so for as long as possible even with the new increase of almost $600 per package.

I have already earned over 50,000 AP miles and was given early Elite status last month.

Herein lies my predicament, since I purchase the China Flight pass I cannot use any upgraded certificates of any kind on those flights. I do see however where AC says that SE get special flight pass offers. The problem for me is I have no CLUE what they are or if they have any use to me in advance.
In 2009 I will be travelling even more than in 2008, I expect around 8 trips to China at the least. But I also expect to be travelling a lot in Canada as well. Maybe on unlimited flight passes AC offers inside Canada.

I fly out of YQR (Regina) I am not aware of any planes with first class seating from anywhere in YQR to other major cities. So is there any advantage to someone from YQR getting SE status?

Next year I will do some flying from China to other countries, but even there I am not sure the trips are long enough to warrant large planes with First class seating.

I am asking since I do not have enough points now to get SE but a friend has offered to give me what I need if I pay the transfer cost, which I expect to be somewhere around $800. But is it worth it? I don't mind spending money for value, but is there any value for me based upon where I am located and where and HOW I fly?

Is there better pricing with SE? Is there better pass options with SE?
As an Elite I get to enjoy the ability to have 4 bags checked up to 200LBS which is very helpful and pays to be an Elite, but SE has the same baggage rules.

If I was in YVR and flying to Toronto then yes I would see the value, but what benefit does a YQR traveller get when everything is small planes to the major hubs?

Is there something else about SE I am missing?

What is this IKK thing I read about? Is it of any use and benefit?

Sorry for all the questions, but as I said just new to the whole flying bit so am very much an idiot when it comes to stuff like this!