I've been in the same boat this year as well. My travel is last minute and usually commands a fare of $900+
On a few of those flights these past 2 months I have ended up in a middle seat on a transcon. Nothing makes a 1k fume more then seating in a middle seat for hours after being loyal to United.
I'm going to see how things shake out the first quarter of next year and then decide if United is worthy of my business.