re - value of UA Silver. I fly it with spouse about once a year. Free bag = $25 each way. In the last 3 years - upgraded first class SFO to Honolulu going out and to economy plus back. Upgraded LA to Tokyo economy plus both ways. Going NY to Lisbon next week - hoping for economy plus, but so far lots of empty first class seats so perhaps we will get lucky...forever the optimist
So - tangible value $150 in 3 years. Upgrades have value - but as we are cheap a$$ flyers and wouldn't pay for the upgraded space - it is just a perk.
This guy estimated the value of various UA benefits per level of status
http://thepointsguy.com/2014/12/what...-status-worth/