Isn't the motivation to be an elite that you are going to spend more and connect more in order to be loyal, but that you'll get some added services and for higher level elites, a good chance of upgrading? What am I missing?

and @Diplomatico, I don't think its a stretch to say that the self-selection of elites who frequent FlyterTalk are more budget conscious people. A lot of the appeal of this site is the news of fare sales, great mileage run opportunities, and other opportunities to save money or get a higher return on your reward miles.