Hasn't this offer been around a long time now? I even used to see this on some UA ticket jackets for a while. Anyway, I used it last year (10,000$ for 15,000 miles) thinking I'll cancel in 6 months, but I still have the account, and its up some 10% , so not a bad deal overall.
While on the topic, has anyone succeeded in doing this for more than one person per household (which is the restriction they list)? I am thinking I will open an account in Mrs Eulalie's name.