CLE is one of UA's most profitable hubs now, with some of the highest % O/D traffic of any hub (far more than their beloved IAH).
they expect people to pony up because its "more convenient", what they don't account for, is that business travelers will fly them with a smile on their faces if the price is $50-100 (10-30%) more than the competition for the nonstop, convenience and schedule. When the price moves to the 2x regime+, (when you can get a $300 midweek RT CAK-LGA on FL, but CO wants >$1000 for CLE-EWR/LGA). CAK isn't nearly as convenient to downtown, but I don't know too many companies that wouldn't suck it up to save $700 for 45 minutes.