Join Date: May 2006
Location: New York, London, Sydney
Programs: United GS/2MM, DL*P, VS*G, AA*EXP, Avis CHM, Hertz Platinum, Sixt*D, HH*D, HGP*P, Starwood*P
Posts: 9,881
The downside to BD is that diamond club's future is very uncertain. Plus, their fuel surcharges on awards are obscene.
Same is true for AC if you're on AC metal, but that's easy to avoid. But they have their own problems: superbly expensive awards to certain regions and problems with LX availability.
UA's upside is earning capabilities. Miles on every cheapo fare class, 100% boni, promotions, credit cards, etc. Also, until recently, and even now, a pretty cheap award chart relative to some other carriers.
And, as you mention, at 1K, the SWUs and Cr-1s are invaluable.