It was not a tough decision to give up UA. But I did wait to turn Million before shifting to CX. I now have lifetime Prem Exec on UA, just below 1K, but it's not bad. CX is definitely a much better airline than UA. They gave me a plaque and a Mont Blanc Passport Holder on turning DM. UA gave me 2 extra Systemwides when I turned 1K/1M and a 'shrug' from all their 'too' senior FAs who feign how much they value my business. Now I will try to keep to OneWorld and fly AA on my US and EU flights and see how these programs treat flyers compared to 1Ks at UA. I do miss the double miles at UA as you can rack up miles pretty fast for tickets, (not status). MP is pretty much actual flown miles unless you fly F. I did it the hardway!