I've combed through all 40 pages of this discussion, albeit not at one sitting, as well as the items posted on the MP website and still have a question concerning the "restoration of 500-mile minimum."

The original United announcement concerning the ending of the 500-mile minimum reads:

"...flight segments of less than 500 miles on United®, United Express®, TedSM, as well as select Star Alliance and partner airlines will accrue the actual number of miles flown. This replaces our previous policy of a minimum mileage accrual per individual segment flown."

The restoration announcement reads:

"...the 500-mile minimum accrual on United flights will be restored for elite members..."

You'll notice the difference in wording between the two announcements with respect to various United brands. My question is: Does this restoration actually restore the policy for elites as it was before the change or does it only restore it for what is specified: "United flights"? A stringent interpretation might conclude that, for example, United Express flights are not included in the restoration.

Has anyone discussed this with an authoritative source at United? As someone who is (a) going to be very close on requal miles and in fact will have to do an MR, and (b) has several UX flights in question, it would be better to find out now rather than on potentially on 31 Dec.