FWIW my first UA-flight this year after becoming 1K had a pleasant surprise as well. After reaching cruise altitude the purser came around and greeted all 1Ks personally with a bottle of sparkling wine, thanking everyone for their loyalty to United. I though this was a great gesture and made me kind of "proud" to be one of the most valuable customers on this flight. My companion was certainly impressed by this and said that this really makes a difference to other flights he has been on with other airlines, and that this sets apart United from the competition...

Sadly after that flight I have been in either Business or slept through the whole flight right after boarding when in Economy so I cannot judge whether this was an exceptional crew or in fact an improved Elite-treatment...

Greetings - Dirk