A related question, I hope, to this post: I am contemplating taking up the somewhat embarrassing invitation by UA MP to pay $400 to convert from 2P to 1P through Feb 2006 as was near threshold for past year's travel. [Sorry, have not been able to find threads on status purchase issues, if any]

Basic question is it worth my while or is it really only going to appease shameful desire for status? My aim will always be to travel more comfortably, generally that means upgrades in the air but longue access nice too. And I have been scandalised by the change in alcohol policy in intl economy [to the point of investigating european carrier's economy alcohol charging policies as a future ticketing criteria]. My travel profile is one or two intl trips to various east coast US cities from LHR a year, plus the once every 18 month trip on a longer haul journey on a Star carrier. Always in, if you haven't guessed already, a deeper discount economy fare. So playing by the rules -- without too much obsession -- will the 1P credential improve the quality of life over next 12 months or do you really have to get to 1K for more guaranteed success at upgrades, operational or otherwise.

First upcoming LHR-ORD-EWR-LHR in late April, booked in W across pond, Q domestically with 500 e-upgrade requested on that internal flight. Thanks.