What is a "1K" in the quote above?
I am so glad to hear that there is still free standby with United!! The schedule change United has made is really not much difference at all, and I'd feel silly making a fuss about a half hour, so I won't be doing that option. We also do not want to pay for $50, since there are 3 of us and we are cheap! But thank you so much for all the knowledge that I may need for future flights.

Thank you everyone for all the wonderful information!! My head spins with all the smarts about flying, on this website! It is amazing really.
I think what we'll do is try to arrive for the earlier flight which is at 10:45. We'll check in our luggage and see if we can standby free for the 10:45 a.m. flight. If we don't get on, we'll leave and go have lunch and return for the 1:49 flight. My Mom lives by the airport, so we can go take them some ice cream for a quick visit.

OK, now next question: If we do get on the earlier flight, and arrive at O'hare earlier than planned, is there any hope of getting on our next flight any earlier? We go from DSM to O'hare, then O'hare to Tampa. Does standing by for an earlier flight only work well when you only have 1 flight? Or does United fix everything to let you fly on both flights and arrive at Tampa (our final destination) earlier? Hope I have not confused everyone.
Thanks for everyone's help!
Pomcoach