Flyertalk Evangelist and Moderator: Coupon Connection and Travel Products
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Milton, GA USA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum Elite, Hyatt Discoverist, Radisson Elite
Posts: 19,045
Personally, I am not sure why you would do anything.
I do not believe United did anything wrong. They gave you a routing that you requested... without making you wait until they decided whether or not they even needed volunteers. It is not their fault that they could not read your mind about the real reason you were asking to be re-routed.
Chalk it up to experience... ask up front for what you want before accepting a change. You cannot blame them for giving up your seat after giving you a routing you asked for.
Just my two cents.
William