Wow let's belabor the math to death here. Does it matter if it's 20% or 25%...anything above 0% is intolerable. Don't you guys get it? Geez.

With such focus on accurate numbers, you guys need to move over to some government forum and address the budget issues. The inaccuracies are so much larger and could use your expertise.

I think the original posters statement is well take and 100% on point (using my scale - so don't question it ).

With all that said, I'm getting a little bit more comfortable with the United changes. I had 10 flights this week (a crazy week and yes I will be 1K this year), almost all were on regional jets and despite being incredibly fatigued, United impressed we with some great service. It's caused me to rethink my negativity. I'm willing to give United a little string here...but I'm not going to be thrilled if they make any negative changes (a.k.a. "enhancements" as United puts them) in the next couple years. Yeah I know that's a long time, but I think United through us a real doozy here, and if they want to keep us, they need to sit tight through 2012 with no more "enhancements".

I've experienced the pains of segment qualification and I wish I was flying miles. United should realize that a U.S. based business person, may be flying a lot of domestic flights and brining in some good dollars. I probably average $300-400 for some pretty short runs (I have a zillion 500 mile segments, so I'm flying under 500 miles for a minimum of $300.) I could probably afford to rent (wet) a Mooney or Beach, cheaper than I pay UA. Granted I've not got the hassle of flying the plane and dealing with weather. But my point is, I'm a little shocked United doesn't value a guy that brings in a 100 legs at $300 a flight for a short haul. If that's not a major bread winner, they should sell off that part of the business and only do U.S. to Asia runs. I'm sure any other airline would be happy to pick up the routes for them.