They will match status, but my suggestion is, unless you can make it worth your while, I would hold out on the comp. Instead, I would do the Trial Silver offer mentioned in another post below.

Once they comp you, they won't do it again, so I'd wait until January 2003 to go for the comp since it will be valid through 2/03.

P.S. - they don't just comp based on miles - Mr. Travlr just got comped since he is Elite with United. He barely flew United this year, but will fly enough on CO to keep his elite status for next year.