I was 1K at UA when the mechanics were threatening to strike back in Feb 2002. I wrote AA and was comped in as Platinum, and worked my way up to EXP (equivalent to 1K). Had it not been for the UA double status miles promo this year, I would not have been able to hold onto PE there, which is the highest I would go with the devaluation of SWU's on cheap fares. AA seems to meet my needs at top tier for a discount traveler. I can't see going back to top tier on UA.