There are a number of threads on this, but it is a bit of a moving target with the frequent rule changes in recent years.

...so in a word - easy

I have never had a problem using mine and this represents at least a 1,000 dollar value. I have been able to apply these prior to the paid 500 dollar upgrade becoming available and thus there is an added value.



As for other aspects - they are also recounted in numerous places. To sum up, IMO it is the only category of DM that is actually worth a bit of pain for the gain.

The CP desk, while not as uniformly stellar as it once may have been - is almost always at least a positive experience.

The UG percentage is the only one that is statistically significantly better than other FTers participating at other levels of the DM program. See the UG thread from 2007. Not enough people reported data from 2008 to generate a reasonable sample so there is no final analysis from that year, and I lost hope for 2009 due to 2008. Maybe we can rally to provide some data for this year.

Finally, I really do think (as long as you don't act like a spoiled child) that you get an extra appreciation from many FAs and GAs. Just the sort of small "thanks for putting your faith in us" kind of thing that makes the whole experience just a bit more pleasant.