Thank you for the help. The glossary has been very enlightening! The "*a" is genius!

Its a shame that UA/AA/CO have such tight limits on their cards. I may end up lifting the UA Economy+ card to get access to economy+ seating while I build up my status (which the card will marginally help achieving as well with 10K EQM).

Won't be going the Delta route, but that is indeed a tempting card for someone without status like me. I wonder if that card is a function of the deal's AMEX was able to strike while Delta/Northwest were in bankruptcy (AMEX had provided liquidity by pre-purchasing miles etc.). I guess UA didn't execute a similar deal while in bankruptcy.

Thanks again and Happy New Year!