After almost a decade with status I'm in a bind. In 2009, my travel was curtailed to the point that I went from 1P to 2P to nothing. Now, in September I got back in the air with no status and haven't found a 3P nomination in CC. (BTW, boarding group 4 blows.) I need another 15K this year to make 2P and that might not happen as most flights I take are DEN-LAX, DEN-LAS and DEN-LGA. I only need 10K on F9 to make Ascent.

If I miss UA's 25K EQM I can't even bear the idea of starting 2011 with no status, effectively making me a 50K flyer from September 2010 to maybe March 2011 with no status.

At 15K miles, F9 Ascent members get the equivalent of E+ with Stretch seating and also get free DirectTV. At 25K F9 gives free DirectTV, stretch seating, and free cocktails.

So here's the dilemma. I'm not flying internationally and I won't get to GS,1K or probably even 1P so UDU are not likely to be part of my life. I don't care as much about mile redemption as I do about the basic flying experience. Is there a case to be made for sticking with UA vs. bailing to F9?

Oh, and I have asked UA for a 2P challenge and they flat out said no way.