They should deliver exactly what they promise, but opening a Citigold (or HSBC Premier, or Chase Private Client) account does not transform one into a top tier customer. These are marketing tools, mass market products designed to attract upper middle class households which have a better than average statistical probability of becoming wealthy.
I agree - that's why I put best in quotes. I realize we are not best at all. Still, I see a tier as a reason for these banks to offer a nice selection of services and although I am part of two of these three I don't get much benefit from them (mostly participate to get no foreign transaction fees via my ATM card).