the benefits I perceive, as a newbie observing Monastery dynamics, have to do with your experience and advice being especially desired and attended to and respected

I hope this isn't the case. The last thing I want is for my advice to be respected. I'd much rather have every little error pointed out than have someone not reply because of a meaningless number.

As for a faster/easier way to become a saint, consult the XP-Whoring HOWTO ;-)