AMEX does nothing for you at UA. Your claimed flying habits should be earning you Platinum, unless those are your flying plans. 25K more miles would get you to 1K this year which gives you increased award availability, plus 6 Global Premier upgrades. Those, plus the miles you earn should get you your forward cabin seating (assuming you have travel flexibility) without having to cough up for GF or Bf fares. If you do buy BF fares, they do have summer specials.