My "Polaris" experience is somewhat varied.

United really started pushing Polaris before it was prepared to offer much change in the hard product. I noticed a HUGE difference in the soft product when it was first introduced. Better meal offerings, better amenities, and a lot of other subtle differences in various aspects like wine selection. To me, this was nice. However, I didn't get to take advantage of the remodeled 777's or the lounges unless I connected through ORD. Heck, I was happy with this change - it reminded me of my Continental days out of IAH.

The routes that I take to Asia are almost exclusively on the 787. The plane was already configured nicely, provided that I booked early enough to get a middle column seat and I wouldn't have to step over someone (or be stepped over). J is comfortable but not perfect. Bulkhead middle is the way to go for the best 787 J experience. While it seems like more planes are configured with the "real" polaris configuration, there has been a degradation in the soft product. So, I'm still flying the old 787 but the meals and wine selection have degraded. I still see the same FA's on my route, and it seems they are unchanged -- they just have a more limited selection to offer. I suppose we always get from point A to point B, and that's what I get for 4-5k RT to Tokyo. However, other airlines offer a better experience for around the same price.

Polaris lounges are nice. They're what they used to be before all of the credit card shenanigans. I love the more private seating.

I'll always be a contractual 1K/GS because I don't have an option. However, I can say that I'm not fully satisfied with my routes considering the degradation in the soft aspects of service. I'm also still disappointed that United prepaid travel funds can't be applied to many *A partners, even though the flight can be readily ticketed by United on 016 stock. What a rip-off. I complain about it every year but they haven't done anything about it.