I'll admit I haven't read this whole thread, but has it been mentioned that UA tried to implement a ($100) fee for same-day standby effective 1/1/2003, and that they eventually rescinded it due to customer outrage?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...andby-fee.html

Now they're doing it again.

(Ironically it was researching that fee in late 2002-2003 that caused me to discover FT, and it was the abolition of that fee that pushed me to focus on UA and concentrate travel to gain status.)