EZESE it would seem your gripe lies with Air Canada for allowing *A elites access to AC's premium seating as an added benefit. UA has chosen a different business model and they are free within the terms of Star Alliance to do so. You as the consumer have the choice to fly with them and be bound by their terms and conditions. Just as I have the choice to fly AC or any other airline and be bound by their terms. We are all still bound by the law.

Granted, certain destinations warrant the exclusive use of one carrier, though I have to say that AC has a more monopolistic position than UA does in many respects, and sometimes consumers like us don't have a choice.

You still haven't given me a convincing argument that it is justifiable to take a product you are otherwise not entitled to. Your only reasoning it seems is "AC lets UA elites take our premium seats for free." I think the last time I heard an argument along those lines was at the playground.