I thought there are other ways to reinstate US miles. I manage a family member's US account & always get offers (can't remember what, though) to reinstate the ~70 miles (Yup, just seven & zero with no K behind them) I allowed to expire because I didn't know what to do with them!
LAX
I recall the same - specifically that members had been offered free reinstatement with the opening of a US Airways-branded credit card.
That was a few years ago, but if still an option, it would be much cheaper and would come with up to 40k additional miles.