You get more points with Platinum. You get United Silver if that is important to you. The new welcome gift is insulting IMHO. I have been upgraded to United first class to Hawaii on United due to the silver status. And, the free bags are good for me on vacation and my employer when I am traveling on United for work.

I am a PP this year. It has come in handy, but getting to this level means I basically have no life Since my newly minted PP, I have received a nifty phone charger from Marriott because they love me now, a few upgraded rooms, a few free Courtyard breakfasts, some candy and a cookie, and was able to use some certificates when I couldn't use them at the same facility before I got the PP status. (I tried as a lowly platinum in January and got "sorry Charley." I tried again a few weeks later with my newly minted PP and got, "Thank you for being a loyal Marriott member Ms. Nightowl, I am sure we can arrange that. Let me call the hotel. Do you mind holding for a few minutes Mrs. Nightowl?" )