The main benefits of SE are the following:

i) concierge service - if you need it
ii) instant KK (now with 30% premium).
iii) increased ability to get upgrades - ie 7 day window for SSWUs, and top priority on waiting list for upgrades,

I find all 3 (esp #2) quite worthwhile.

If you fly business a lot, and fly either in business class, or on latitude fares (which can be upgraded at time of booking, subject to availability) using SWUs (whether SE or E or P), then there is no major advantage with SE. With both SE and E, you get access to all Star Alliance lounges (allowing Star Alliance Gold access), priority check-in lanes, priority boarding, increased baggage allowance.


So the $2K cost will be cost-effective, if you can justify to yourself that the extra benefits of SE over E will will be worth at least $2K. If yes, do the MR, if not, don't do the mileage run.