Early generation software product line (SPL) methodologies tended to be large, complex, and offer many options and choices, making adoption in practice difficult to comprehend, justify and achieve. We have identified a simpler pattern for SPL methodology, referred to as the 3-Tiered Methodology, based on observations during deployments and operation of new generation SPL practices. This methodology is useful not only for the operation of full-scale SPL practice, but also in understanding, explaining and justifying SPLs, as well as for planning and making transitions to SPL practice.