Smisek is first and foremost a cost-cutter. If he is willing to mercilessly cut the compensation (benefits-adjusted) of his employees, there is absolutely no doubt that he will trim UAs "bloated" elite benefit programs. E+, while garnering loyalty, may not actually have been beneficial to UA's bottom line, and he has previously stated that UAs SWU program is "overly generous". I just can't see how this will be in any way positive for current 1Ks, or any elite for that matter.

The only possible saving grace will be if the other carriers see an opportunity to poach UACO elites and offer some powerful incentives to switch.