Q:

What do you think about "Magento Associates"?

Magento announced in this blog post: Strengthening our Solution Partner Program a new partner status (?): Magento Associates

Our goal is to help Magento Associates develop the skills they need to
  become Magento Enterprise experts and engage in Enterprise
  implementations. These companies may or may not have the goal of
  joining the Solution Partner program, but we will provide them the
  resources and opportunity to do so if they choose.

What do you think this is? Some kind of Partners but with no certified developers?  Lower status for Solution Partners?
Does anyone has more info about fees for becoming a Magento Associate
Why would a company do that?
What benefits would a Magento Associate have?  

A:

Good post about the subject: http://www.gxjansen.com/improved-magento-partner-program-levels-now-actually-based-on-quality/
Make sure to read the comments, interesting comment from sonassi.

