I rarely check bags so not sure how much the BG2 (assume this means two checked bags or?) is worth to me and that'd force me to use the Explorer to get it giving me 3% rewards vs 4.5%, right?

"Free Checked Bag
Save up to $100 per roundtrip. The primary Cardmember and one companion traveling on the same reservation will each receive their first standard checked bag free ($25 value for the first checked bag, each way, per person) on United-operated flights when purchasing tickets with their United MileagePlus Explorer Card. See united.com/chasebag for details."

The Club passes are of some value but not sure it's $50/ea ($95 / 2)

So, having the card will give me more access to rewards even if I don't use it to book flights and do not have status?

If I don't get use the 25k then I won't have status.