I don't know what your route to it looks like, but I am glad I have it. I am a similar distance from 2MM and I will let that happen organically rather than chase it. For me (LHR/SFO 99.9999% of the time) the other options do not thrill me. I won't fly BA unless it is a dark day in hell, and VS is great in PE but I am not flying them in any flavour of their regular economy. I will lose 1K next year and, while moderately disappointed at that, I will value the soft landing of *G "lifetime" status. I am under no illusion that will be diluted down at some stage so will make hay while the sun shines. But I am not in a position where I feel locked to United as I have it already and like this "best of both worlds" approach now.