Since you asked, I think you are nuts to try to be paying $900+ to get to 1K. At best, I would suggest doing a very cheap run to make 1P because the *G is very worth it for international travel. The 100% bonus at that level will let you earn miles faster as well.

The SWUs are not guaranteed and even if given may require you to pay up to H fares (more unnecessary money given to UA).

If you can do AA instead for the routes you need, it is an even better deal for your next year of travel. Use a small portion of the $900 to do a PLT challenge on AA to get PLT status. There is absolutely no need to buy up to H fares on UA as long as AA will upgrade any fare and their routes will work for you.