neotope - Thanks for the feedback. Like I said, I don't want to get stuck with UA miles. I just want the extra 5 inches, and miles on USA.

Tix from IAD to LHR are $600-700 R/T at this point on USA. Paying another $300 + 30K miles seems bettter to me, because I don't have enough for an outright envoy class ticket. But, your point is taken.