"USA TODAY" Report
 

"Elite status: The ultimate frequent flier perk"

actually not news , but a sound summary for beginners.

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/deals...htm?csp=Travel

Entry Level
 

I love the way the author calls first-tier elites 'entry level' flyers!:rolleyes:

In a nutshell though, it's a well-written story and doesn't get too complicated. I agree that it is a good primer for newbies. Of course, I hope the result is not a surge in elites.