Hopefully some expert can find a secret that I can't find.

The issue is that I made one *A partner awards reservation for 3 people using UA points. I now, desperately need to remove one of the people from the reservation as it will cost $1127.25 to get enough points for this 3rd person, so I only want to purchase tickets for 2 people.

Awards available for this itinerary have rapidly vanished in the last few hours. I am told by UA that their only option is to cancel the complete reservation and then rebook, which I doubt will work since the availability has gone away.

Is there a secret to remove one person from a UA points *A partner awards ticket?

DETAILS

Itinerary PEK<>HNL Feb 6, 2013 return Feb 16, 2013
150,000 UA points in my account, need 75,000 for the 3rd ticket
Best plan I would have to get the additional 75,000 in my account
$0 - Tranfer 17k UR points in
$225 - Transfer 15k UA points from wife
$225 - Transfer 15k UA points from son
$667.25 - Purchase 30k points at 40% off
$1,127.25 - Total cost

I have enough US Airway miles and a reservation on hold for the same itinerary so it would be really great if there is some way to avoid this $1,127.25.

Thanks