Seems like a version of the "1k on business admitted to the Global First Lounge" program that was running for awhile (and I think has since ceased?)

It is not a horrible idea, but I would think with all the irrops and such, it would be better to hold off on a couple of premium seats and use them to mitigate the ill will from having travel plans disrupted.

Last domestic trip I took on United, I ended up in economy after paying for first due to a delayed flight and missed connection. Kinda the opposite of "surprise and delight".