Well, okay, UA can charge whatever they want. And maybe you're right: premium cabin pax may feel that 2-class F + hot food =< 3-class C with BoB. Maybe. But the amount of uncertainty thrown into the mix would be significant. I would imagine that for many pax, when they fly F/C domestically, they expect certain things. When those things get taken away, or when they're provided only intermitently, I imagine people will get steamed. Look, the bottom line is that those paying C fares (or expensive Y fares and upgrading) may ask themselves a good question the next time they get on their IAD-LAX flight and are handed a saran-wrapped sandwich or BoB box: Why should I pay UA the same high (and rising) fare when they hand me downgraded, cr@ppy chow? It's the principle, really.

On the other hand, sure, some people may be happy enough with the seat and not care about the food...but for some people it may be the opposite -- who cares about the nice seat for such a short flight when the food they get on board may be their only chance to eat for the morning/afternoon/evening? By charging these pax C fares and handing them a box...well, I call that dumb, and if I were one of these pax, I would be fuming.