Getting back to the original topic,

What benefit is it for United to insert a tier between 1K and GS? I understand why passengers who would benefit would like it, but why does it help UA?

And of course, there are benefits to flying more with UA beyond 1K: elite choice at 125k, 2 more SWUs at 150k, elite choice again at 175k, 2 more SWU's at 200k.