Same basic question, slightly different situation.
I've just moved to London for work and will be flying back to ORD twice a year. Company booked me on Virgin UC and most flights will be this way. Should I continue on CO Onepass and get silver or start with Flying Club and get silver there (after the next flight)? My CO miles are mostly from visiting family in Houston and I'll continue going on my own dime once a year.

Things I've learned from reading FT:
(1) "Free" tickets on Virgin are more expensive because of taxes and fees. A negative for VS.
(2) UC gets 150% miles on CO, but only 100% EQM vs. 200% miles on VS. A positive for VS.
(3) A friend can sign me up on VS and we both get a bonus. Already taken care of.

Questions:
(1) I have no idea how difficult it is to redeem on either airline. Any opinions?
(2) Which silver status is better, if any?
(3) Any other comments from the vastly experienced FT community?