I'm pretty seasoned when it comest to frequent flyers programs, but I'm a frequent stay virgin. I rarely stay at hotels, and when I do I shop mostly on price.

Now however there's a possibility I'll stay at at a Fairfield Inn property for about 22 nights. I've read the MR website and have the following questions:

1) It seems I would get 10 MR points per "dollar spent on room rate only". Will I get points for the taxes as well, or just for the base rate? If I use some premium pounds certs, will I get points based on the rate before or after applying the PPs?

2) I would get silver status after 10 nights. I assume the status kicks in immediately and I would start getting the 20% bonus from the 11th night. Is this correct?

3) Considering I would stay for over 20 nights, is there any chance they will advance the silver status? Failing that, is there any chance to have my 1K status on United matched?

Thanks in advance .