A few days ago I asked a gate agent if I could standby for an earlier flight. When she asked for my ID, I handed her my 1K card, which she stared at blankly for a few seconds before amending her request to a photo ID. Then she asked what level of elite I was. When I said "1K", she replied, "oh, there are too many levels now to keep track of."
So far, this has been entirely consistent with my experience with the new UA, so not surprising that the 1K desk would disappear.