I don't work in the obby, so not sure what the screen asks in terms of defining what "heavy" is. The reason for the "heavy midifier: is two-fold (potentially 3 fold.) a) To notify load planning of bags over 50 lbs to get an accurate weight/balance, b) to put a heavy sticker on the bag so that the agents lifitn it don't misinterpret the weight when they lift and to prevent injuries from doing such, and c) for depending on your status, for determining if one must pay charges for overweight.

I think you all think that since (c) may not apply, that (a) and (b) don't, or at least are unaware of them. No excuse for the agents anger if the checkin machine isn't clear, but (a) and (b) still need to be noted. Perhpas UAL and their HQ people need to re-evaluate whet the language on the screen says in determining what the propt is. Again, I don't know what it says. If it doesn't define "overweight", the fault is with the mgmt that determined the verbage. If it is defined, then the fault is with the passenger for providing incorrect/inaccurate data. In either case, the agent should point out the correct procedure in a constructive tone, not an irritated tone.

OP claims the agents was dramatic and un-necessary. Maybe, but poining out the inaccuracies of the bag weight in a less than polite manner is no more overly dramatic or un-necessary than posting about it on an internet message board. Sure, it is within your rights and I have no problem that you did, but if one is un-necessary, then so to is carrying on about it days later on the internet.