The real benefit is you will no longer be a lowly silver.

I would go for it. A 5K MR isn't hard and you never know what will happen for next year. We haven't heard about the 2006 status plan yet so a higher level is always a benefit.

I would check out EWR-SEA since you can get your 5k miles and with the red eye back you don't need a hotel room (and the PC is one of the best).