US Airways Dividend Miles - Ticket Change Policy

I have a $580 ticket YYZ-RDU from last month that was not used. In talking to US Air I was told:

a) Can be used on USAir only (was trying to use part on a UA codeshare
b) No matter how little the new ticket costs, I have to pay a $150 change fee and there is no residual value.

In other words, if I book a $230 flight (which is possible) rather than having a $200 remaining credit ($580 - $150 fee -$230 fare), I have a zero credit AND have to pay $150 in cash.

Does this seem accurate to anyone? It's highway robbery, but does it seem right within their rules?

1) It is the rule.
2) It is highway robbery.
3) It's becoming more and more common at other airlines. US led the way in this customer-unfriendly "innovation".

I have had a travel voucher for part of the remaining value promised to me - it's all in who you ask.

Even if they say no you can write customer relations (use the online email - it's usually the only way to get anything.) Tell them "I thought I was supposed to get a voucher for the remaining value" along with the facts of your trip and what you purchased, etc... I know a few people who have gotten $100 vouchers that way.

You will have to pay $150 in cash for the change fee. If you're buying a $230 ticket you MAY be better off paying cash for that ticket and saving your credit for another more expensive flight. I believe it's good for 12 months FROM THE DAY IT WAS BOOKED - not from the flight date (can someone confirm?)

I rebooked this morning and wound up paying $142.53 in total change fees.

It is possible that it was less than $150 because the ticket originated in Canada. They said the change fee was $150 US, but I'm not sure that when they repriced it that the change fee wasn't $150 CDN.

If I had been able to keep the residual value, I would have booked just one way and then the return on Air Canada. The fares on these routes are crazy. I've seen the evening nonstop back for anywhere from $200 to $500. This time, it was about $230 all-in, while the connection on US was around $360. But the connection on US wasn't too bad. It leaves only an hour earlier then the nonstop and gets in only about an hour later.