I haven't read through all the posts, but as a west coast person, if I am going to be in a premium cabin, I want a comfortable trip the entire way, especially the last six hours home. The likelihood of "2 cabin comfort" after having been awake for 24+ hours would make me more likely to take another carrier with European connection. (This is for much of UA's service through IAD.) Over the years I've flown countless times home through the East Coast on UA (via IAD,JFK,BOS,MIA) and the ability to just plop down and lie back and relax for the flight back to SFO made it pleasant enough. Now, not so much.

In any event, good that UA is opening up new markets.