Originally Posted by
UA1K4EVER
For UA, the real problem is the co-existence of UDU and CR1s (soon to be called URU - unlimited regional upgrades). They do not know how to solve the equation in which CR1s cover some of the same territories that UDU does automatically. The two UG instruments thus appear redundant. It is why UA has been itching to do away with CR1, and in fact did after UDU started...
Are you speculating or speaking authoritatively?
CR1s and e500s coexisted for a long time. I don't see how CR1s and UDU would thus be redundant. They serve different purposes (confirm upgrade in advance, upgrade non-(high)-elite travel companion, ...) and there are flights where UDU simply isn't available (p.s.). And UA disagrees with you, too: they are NOT taking CR1 away because of your perceived redundancy, they are changing the earnings rules.