I've had "the pleasure" of being a UA 1K in 2014. Service was lousy, no upgrades, three unscheduled nights in a hotel, twice delayed baggage, frequent schedule changes and so on.

In my more than 8 years as HON with 150 to 160 flights per year, none of the above happened to me with Lufthansa.

So, for me the answer is clear - even though I can't make the HON anymore.

And in my opinion you cannot look at the frequent flyer programme alone!