What's the difference between Member and Elite Member? How does one become an Elite Member?

The benefits are as follows:
-Can mass PM up to ten people at once
-Can open/close own topics
-Can avoid flood control
-Bragging rights =P

And they used to have more PM storage space, though I've since made it unlimited for everyone.

Elite Member status may be given away as a prize in contests (though obviously it's useless if someone on the staff wins), or may be given out by me if I feel someone deserves it. I'm in no hurry to promote bunches of Elite Members, though.