You raise a good pint JD, when I was on a 3MB investment visa and had to extend it once each year at DMSP, it took the IO's several minutes to find the stack of files for those of use that signed up for the program. Our files were kept together and I saw there were 13 of us.
Tod, why should the Elite program need to offer financing when the cost of the various membership choices (together with the privileges and perks provided) are far less expensive when compared what other countries charge foreigners and their families for permission to remain long term ;-)? Membership is growing just fine, as is.
You'd think with 8 different visa options, provided the visitor has adequate funding, they would find some part of the Elite program suited to their needs.
IMO, If you are able to meet the financial requirement for this visa, then you can probably afford the Thailand Elite visa which, by comparison, offers far more benefits and perks with fewer headaches...