Originally Posted by
WineCountryUA
A parallel might be the GS program -- UA has stated more than once it is "outside" of MP but it also seems intertwined it MP. So which part of MP applies and which part does? (for GS and MM)
Who is responsible for the special features?
MileagePlus is part of United so United is responsible.
MileagePlus rules generally apply to GS as well, except to the extent different provisions have been applied to those with GS status.
The primary difference is that GS members were never promised "lifetime" benefits so UA retains the right to change the terms and conditions of the GS program as it sees fit.
This is all really simple: United promised Million Milers certain lifetime benefits. United cannot lawfully now say, "Oh, we didn't really mean it. Ignore what we said."