As an update to this question I posed to you United folks, I wrote to United asking about status transfer. It took them over one full month to reply to my email!!! As a result of that delay, they granted me Premier 1K status for the remainder of 2012. However, when I didn't hear anything in a timely manner, I booked several other flights on Delta. So I really don't think I could keep that status for 2013 considering that we're already 5 months into 2012 and I have booked a few flights on Delta.

But the main issue for me is about the weather cancels: Delta gives hotels to top tier fliers even on weather cancellations. That is HUGE and would be tough to give up.

Thanks to everyone.