OP, I get it. And unless you are a shoo-in to requalify, think hard whether to bother. It's been a slide downhill for three years. I gave up in 2014 and I am at peace with it (knowing I am 1MM helps, but I haven't flown UA since August 2014). I fly on schedule, legroom and price - airline loyalty is a close fourth.

Much of what you experienced, true, being a 1K doesn't get you a magic pass to irrops and the like but UA is continually blowing their chances to impress you. Why would you stick with any organization where it feels like they don't care?