Just a quick explanation of OnePass Elite Maximizer:
When you book a ticket, after ticket is confirmed, you can purchase additional miles. Amount of miles for sale will depend on the ticket. Domestic flights as well as one-way tickets, or tickets where the first leg has been flown, will allow you to purchase double or triple miles. International flights generally offer 7,500 or 20,000 miles. Once you purchase those miles, they are immediately (or a few hours later) deposited into your account. You have the option, if already purchasing RDMs, to purchase EQMs as well. People who are a few miles short of the next elite level will sometimes book a fully refundable Y ticket, purchase the RDMs/EQMs, (you cannot purchase only EQMs...they must be purchased in conjunction with RDMs, as opposed to the RDMs which can be purchased separately), and then cancel the ticket.
As for elite bonuses: Silver has a 25% bonus, Gold/Platinum have 100% bonus. But this is only for RDMs! The only bonuses available for EQMs are by purchasing Y/B fares in economy (50% bonus) or F, J, C, D, or Z fares in First/BusinessFirst (50% bonus).
Also note, if you have the Presidential Plus credit card and are already elite, you get an ADDITIONAL 25% RDM bonus (on top of existing bonus). But only for OnePass elites. Regular card holders are not entitled to this bonus.
OP, how important is the 100% to you? As for exit row, assuming you're flying UA aircraft, as you're in Chicago, you will have free access to E+ from booking if you're Silver...
