With the impending merger, elites get itchy and test new waters.
These loyal customers need to be replaced as they are burned up !

I would think both United and Continental are aggressively matching status since certain merger turbulence will result in losing some loyal flyers.

Like sharks, the other airlines will be will more than happy to get customers who spend with them.

This also explains why customers service is throwing money at anyone who complains about anything

Just home somewhere sometime, they actually improve some things; especially the Lounges.