This weekend, I hung out with two people who have 5 year residence permits. Both of them scored these via "A" work permits.
I'm a high "B" myself. My visa agent offered to get me across the chasm (to "A") for y1000, but I declined because he didn't explain the benefits of A v B.
My current renewal plan is to take the HSK in order to clear 90 points without need for any fudge.