Mz
:To those who seek the golden fleece are often fleeced themselves,"  :-)

It's a popularity contest.

Hello:  Lakerben
I do not think it's a popularity contest.  I think, if you have some of the characteristics, that "elite" represent, you will get more blue bars under your screen name.
I am not aware of all the characteristics, I just know what I've been doing on this site for years.
Just posting on my blog, random things, numbers, loss of life, etc.  starting threads for Missouri and other threads, doing workouts, commenting on other post.
Being a Platinum member, for awhile I was Platinum just to support the site, because I liked what I saw, then, I started using the tools, and posting more, and exploring more with the numbers.
On a regular basis, probably more so, a daily basis.  So, I made it to "Elite" now what?  Nothing has changed with me, I'm still doing the same thing I've been doing on here. 
It's a few people on here that I think should be "elite", but, that's just my opinion.
I still have a lot of respect for poster's that are not elite.   A lot of posters contribute in a major way and a lot in a minor way.  Knowingly and unknowingly!   I think we all will be recognized and remembered in some way.