Absolutely. I've just done the reverse to you - I'm BD Gold and have just joined UA (didn't try for a status match though, for various reasons). The reason for my joining UAL was the possibility to upgrade with miles. The BD scheme isn't really that good. The only things you seem to get are waitlist priority and guaranteed seats (plus I supposed those upgrade coupons). (Although admittedly these benefits are enough to make me stay due to my flying pattern).

Still, IMO it's a great airline, despite a rather poxy reward system...