seeking some more information from the experts.

I currently have 19K EQMs, 1K Flex EQM, and I have a trip coming up frpm PIT-IAH giving me about 1K EQM. Thus I will have about 21K EQM by end of the year. Now, if I buy additional miles on my ticket it costs me $135 for 4,468 (triple) miles. But my return trip is on Jan 2 from IAH to PIT.

1) if I buy these triple miles will I become Silver Elite on Continental for 2012? i.e. will these additional miles get added to my account instantly or will they be added after I complete the trip?

2) Continental is giving me an option to buy additional Elite Maximizer miles for $671. What is this option? Is it giving me a gold status or something?


Would really appreciate any information. Thanks.