Agreed that it's odd that US is giving *A free access to those seats while not their own elite ranks. Then again, in some cases, CO will give Platinum status to someone who's never stepped foot on their plane before, so I suppose there is a business reason behind what seems like illogical business behavior on the surface.

Speaking of which, I'm flying tomorrow on US again. F is open, but the telephone agent said I need to upgrade at the airport. But she did put me in a "Choice" seat due to my *A status for no charge.