In addition to what has been said already, being 1K also helps when a plane is late or canceled. I live about two hours out of SFO and usually fly a short flight to SFO and connect there. About once a year or so, my flight to SFO will be delayed or canceled causing which would cause me to miss an international flight. As a 1k, United will put me in a cab to SFO, $260+ on the meter (United gives the driver a voucher for $190). Re SWU, as 1k I almost always get it. Don't know how much of this is relevant for you but United really does treat 1K well.