If you have to tell someone your bike is elite quality something is wrong! The mods make that decision. That's why they are there.
I just made elite last month, are there things to change/add, sure. But the list is minimal. My bike was no cream puff when I got it, but through networking with guys trading swapping buying, I put together a complete different bike.
Maybe the elite thing needs to looked at and current elites evaluated. I not sure. But if any bike that is clean or a few add on's hung on is put up for a vote it ends up being a popularity vote and the elite status is then watered down, and worth nothing!
If the time money and love is there, you shouldn't have to justify the qualification.