I guess I should have clarified that it was an CSR in the GS room at ORD (and she did have to call somebody to clear this). The point being was that it can happen when UA needs to get you somewhere.

As to the rest of your post, I completely agree. A lot of speculation, but only a knowledgable insider is going to know what the true procedure is. As most have said, UA did the right thing in this situation.