Originally Posted by
DLATL777
They would much rather fill their cabins with non-revs and employees than sell you a business class ticket for 3-4K less.
The business logic of your argument is - impaired - to put it kindly.
Delta may be reluctant to sell for $5K now thinking they can get $9K later. The OP is welcome to take advantage of all the poor business decisions made by United this year, while available.