If you don't have a problem flying *A from HKG, then UA 1K seems to be a better option, to me.

IMO it comes down to OW Ruby vs. Star Gold, which again, tilts in favor of 1K. *G gets you access to good variety of lounges at HKG (Ruby has none), depending on location of your gate, plus a large network of lounges throughout SE Asia. *G gets a larger checked luggage allowance than Ruby. On UA metal, FWIW, I've had good GPU success on EWR-HKG (not sure if that is a regular route for you).