the step up program requires you to go with their rediculous MSRP, also they limit your choices on what to step up to, and the timing of releases is done "just so"... not to mention the fact they have an "absolutely no cross shipping" policy. so expect weeks without a video card.
My step up program is called ebay. I buy a new card, run it for a few days to see it works right, and then sell the old one on ebay. I tend to buy XFX for their TRANSFERABLE lifetime warranty. It means higher resale value