I am with the 'camp' that is seeing improvement in booking award tix at saver level (1st class) pmua. Just yesterday I booked two tix BKK-ORD (via FRA) on Thai A380 first class, switching to UA 777 1st class in FRA. I'm happy!!

Prior to the merger I could only do FF tix about a week before travel, when availability in 1st class would become available. I much prefer to book my tix on line than with a 1K/Mileage Plus agent.