I was able to get the United Club with the first year fee wavier. Of course, no chance to earn PQM with this card, but the fee was right, and while I'll be non-renewing my PMCO United Presidential Plus card, I'll get the almost the same perks as the the old PP card for another year at no cost. Also, the Capital One Venture card's credit limit is quite stingy, so earning 1.5 RDM on the United Club card is not so bad fall back if I max out my Venture's credit limit.

Anyone in a vaguely simular situation should apply for the United Club card asap, as the fee wavier expires May 31. Lots of other posts on how to get the United Club free for a year (which should work if you have any status at all). I suppose the only downsides are is your credit score might take a hit, as always happens when you apply for new credit and you might lose a chance to sign up for a future UA/Chase credit card and earn bonus RDM.