Yes the husband, companion, and boss situations are all valid. I once flew UA PS SFO/JFK, booked in C but for some reasons got bumped into F (this is rare), while my CEO is sitting back in C and walked up and said hi... I was embarrassed.

I have to say that UA is more friendly with these situations. When I traveled with my family (wife+2 kids), so far I have been fortunate on upgrade. UA offers complimentary domestic upgrade outside PS flights, so we got free upgrade on EWR-PHX, EWR-MCO, for all of us. The caveat is that I am 1K and they are all premier silver. But this is really free, no sticker/certificate needed. Furthermore, you can get upgrade on award tickets if you have a MP credit card.

Now I fly AA mostly on coast to coast flight by myself. I still fly UA when 1) with family; 2) to/from overseas (due to the flat bed).

Thanks for the AA match now I will likely maintain both EXP and 1K in 2013. I will have one year to pick the side.