No Polaris Lounge yet in IAH, right?
BR is also pretty good with ensuring your checked bags are forwarded to them as they are the ones who are left holding the bag, pun intended, per IATA rules if you don't get your bag in TPE.
If flying BR is a treat, I would try to see if you can find any of their day time flights (afternoon out of LAX/SFO) as you get lunch/dinner service rather than somewhat abbreviated late nigh supper on these overnight flights. BR 7 leaves out of the other side of the SFO International Terminal though. LAX TBIT is s hike from UA but well worth a visit. Neither flights' J inventory is easy to come by.