Two questions for feedback please..

If one does all there long haul travel (MNL to LAX and onwards with AA) in J is there really much benefit/higher service level to being higher status?

As a connection question to the first, if one has only just really started flying CX, but will reach diamond by end of first full year (taking into account the attain, reset, attain requirements as with just my long haul flights booked and confirmed/paid already at 3 more this year and 7 for 2014) would that flyer be treated at a higher level such as Diamond prior to achieving?

Thoughts appreciated.

Thanks.