Is it worth it to "buy" Premier Silver status for $699 annually?

Not exactly "buy" because $699 is the annual membership due for a large business association located overseas. United is a corporate member and they offer active members free Silver Status. The bonus is that another member... a Skyteam airline, also offers the same. So it's like getting entry-level elite status in two airline alliances for just one "low" price of $699.