Lounge crowding at specific times of day is an issue these days across pretty much all carriers. It certainly diminishes the overall experience, but I would hardly call the benefit - whether offered by UA or other carriers - "worthless."

If you think the grass is greener elsewhere, by all means check it out. I think you'll find DL is actually worse. AA will be similar to UA. LH and NH (to use UA's most significant international partners) have equivalent if not worse issues at their hubs.