Originally Posted by
entropy
If EWR isn't in your future, I don't see why you'd bother to stay loyal to United.
The OP indicates that award travel to Europe is part of the appeal of a program. UA is very, very good for that with partners.
Originally Posted by
entropy
Other airlines offer reasonable options. Delta has SkyTeam partners with lots of flights @ JFK to Europe if that's what you are after (Skyteam flights aren't subject to the ridiculous skypeso pricing... they're more "normal")
Fewer destinations on ST for nonstop, similar number with connections. It can work but isn't quite as varied in options overall.
But I also wouldn't change my "now" travel that much for the sake of future travel like that.