Newbie... so be gentle...

I am UA 1K who relocated to MUC during 2005 and am trying to decide whether I should try to switch to LH M&M. I earn most of my miles on TransAtlantic flights in economy (and a couple business TA fares), in particular MUC-DEN and FRA-DEN, for which the LH direct flight are preferred over connecting in ORD, IAD, etc with UA metal (even taking econ+ into consideration). I have not switched over yet because it took a lot of effort to keep 1K status on UA. This year I have already exceeded 100k EQM and have a few more TA trips which could make a dent in LH program (likely not 135k more, though, unless I received a match/challenge which I read elsewhere was unlikely). The alternative would be to stay with UA and generate a few more SWU by exceeding 125k, 150k, etc.

Most important for me are longhaul upgrades and redeeming availability (for the family), both of which have been a recent cause for disappointment with UA. Another factor is that when I travel w/i Europe (more often but less mileage impact), my UA 1K status does not prevent me from getting 'middle seats' and does not help me when I attempt to fly stand by.

From what I have read in other threads , LH is comparable only if you can get to HON. By comparable I mean multiple (although fewer) upgrades and 'highest' level status, which could imply more volunteer upgrades. This status is possible (given all of the LH mile multipliers for status, class, etc.) but will take at least 2 years.

Anyone made a similar jump (or the reverse) who could shed some light on whether such a transition is advisable? Am I overlooking something?

Do free upgrades occur more or less often (compared to almost never) than on UA metal, esp. on TA flights? How important is HON in terms of free upgrades on LH metal? compared to UA 1k status on LH metal? if paired with a cheap economy fare on LH metal?

Any help/advice is appreciated.