Ok so here's what I did: I have two domestic trips coming up already ticketed and was able to use the "Premier Accelerator" to buy 15.4k PQM. This, plus what I already have will get me Silver before my next trip. Then, what I accrue on actual flights for the rest of the year (around 28k) will put me into Gold.

I also called up Chase and got a MileagePlus Club Card which they overnighted to me in this huge awesome packet of stuff. I'm going to take my business from Amex to Chase and really dig in on United.