do you think that I could persuade UA to add the flights that I flew on them before being a MP member to my life time totals? That would be kinda cool!

I think the benefit of being a lifetime 1P is great, ESPECIALLY if one stops flying as much in the future, for those occasions where you fly, its nice to know that you'll have the status to fall back on.

The question really should be is it beneficial to UA to give away lifetime status to people, since once they have it, they are more free to explore other airlines and build status with them.