I can't give out too many details of this story, because the person involved (not me) doesn't want them revealed.

However, I had a friend who was unexpectedly prevented from flying for medical reasons in November, year 20XX. The friend was unable to travel for nearly a full year, and forced to cancel ticketed trips in December 20XX, which meant just missing 1K that year.

This friend was 1K (many years running) and a MM flyer on UA. Friend's father was a MM flyer. Friend's spouse is/was a 1K MM flyer.

The friend wrote UA explaining the situation, and not only did they give 1K status for 20XX+1, but since friend couldn't fly most of 20XX+1, they gave it for 20XX+2 also. Note: 1K status, but no SWUs along with it -- only status.

I expect a barrage of "no way" comments here, but I know enough about the situation -- both medical and FF status the following years -- to verify. This friend also fwd'd to me copies of the message to UA, and their response, and more importantly, I don't think the friend would lie to me about these things.

So, there are times when UA does step up and do a nice thing for its customers. In this case, it was a one-time exception to a loyal customer (from a family of loyal customers).

I think it is possible, though probably a very rare exception, and in my friend's case, I think the reason (medical, unavoidable, sudden, unexpected) and history/loyalty with/to UA played large factors.