The MVC Asia program is quite a bit different... in the US there is no time limit you are buying in for and they have different deals. Note that, at least in the US, you can't trade all of your MVC points to MR points... its only something like 70% max. Yes the maintenance fees do increase a few percent per year.

They are offering status in the US depending on your points level within MVC so that seems to be a common benefit.